Directed by Adam Shankman
New Line Cinema
Starring John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Queen Latifah, Amanda Bynes, Zak Efron and Nikki Blonski
Sixteen years after the original release of John Waters’ film about star-struck teenagers on a local Baltimore dance show, producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron adapted the Tony award-winning Broadway production of Hairspray into this hit movie. Featuring new and original material, Hairspray had the biggest opening in history of a musical – $27.5 million. To date it has grossed just under $200 million worldwide and that figure is still growing.
John has been awarded Hollywood Supporting Actor of the Year by the Hollywood Film Festival for his role as Edna Turnblad — Mother of teenager Tracy Turnblad.
Hairspray’s “You Can’t Stop The Beat” has been nominated for the Peoples Choice Award for Best Song. Additionally, the film has been voted Best Picture by the Teenagers of America.
Hairspray is the #3 musical in history (Grease is #1), and Hairspray DVD sales are breaking records.
The film centers on Tracy Turnblad, an plump teenager who loves to dance and wants to become a dancer on the Corny Collins TV Dance Show. When one of the dancers leaves, Tracy auditions to be part of the show. Her mother Edna (played by John) worries that Tracy will get hurt. Instead, Tracy starts a revolution against racism and discrimination.