Tracy Turnblad just wants to dance on "The Corny Collins Show," which is only Baltimore's hottest teen dance program. Problems arise because Tracy's a fuller-figured woman, and the show's producer rejects her outright. It's not all bad news for Tracy, though; in detention she befriends Seaweed J. Stubbs, an African-American student who teaches her a few dance steps that white kids haven't learned yet. Bolstered by friendship and the hottest moves white Baltimore's ever seen, Tracy earns her place on Corny's show, and is soon challenging the uptight Amber von Tussle for the title of most popular girl in Baltimore -- and Tracy, being a decent human being, wants to bring Seaweed and company along with her. Hairspray: The Musical, adapted from John Waters' film, retains all the campiness and off-kilter charm of the original, as well its strong social conscience. The Washington University Performing Arts Department presents Hairspray: The Musical at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday (October 14 through 30) at Washington University's Edison Theatre (6445 Forsyth Boulevard; 314-935-6543 or padarts.wustl.edu). Tickets are $20 to $30.
Fridays-Sundays. Starts: Oct. 14. Continues through Oct. 30, 2011