Set in 1962 Baltimore, Hairspray follows Tracy Turnblad, a plus-sized teenager whose dream is to dance on The Corny Collins Show. As she rises to stardom, Tracy becomes an unlikely hero, using her fame to fight for racial integration and challenge social norms. The musical combines humor, heartfelt storytelling, and vibrant 1960s-style music in a celebration of individuality, equality, and the power of self-esteem.

I attended Hairspray on Broadway in 2008, not long before the original production closed. Though I can’t recall the exact date, I still remember the vibrant energy and excitement of the performance.

Catching this show wasn’t easy. On several trips to New York, I kept putting it off — always thinking, next time. On one visit, I finally made up my mind to see it, only to discover it wasn’t playing that day. Around the same time, I nearly caught the U.S. tour in another city but missed that too. A former professor smiled and encouraged me to stay and watch the show, but I returned to work instead — the responsible choice. For a while, I genuinely feared I might never get to see Hairspray. Thankfully, I finally did — just in time. And I’m glad I didn’t miss the chance.

When I finally secured tickets on Broadway, I was determined to enjoy every moment.

One of my first surprises was discovering that Edna Turnblad — Tracy’s mother — was played by a male actor. I hadn’t expected that, but it added an extra layer of humor and theatrical flair.

The show’s energy was infectious. Though I didn’t know any of the songs beforehand, by the end, I was singing along with the finale. The audience around me reacted with joy to every scene. When Tracy lay sleeping upright in her bed, everyone chuckled warmly.

The ensemble was fantastic, and the choreography was fun and full of life. I especially remember the young actress playing Little Inez — such talent and charisma.

At the time, I hadn’t researched the story and assumed it was a light comedy, perhaps something like 9 to 5 — maybe even about a hairspray company or office life. But as the story unfolded, I discovered it addressed deeper themes: overcoming prejudice and standing up for equality, all presented in a bright, joyful setting.

Hairspray delivered more than entertainment. It lifted my spirits, not just because it was fun, but because it conveyed the importance of self-esteem. That night, everyone in the theater shared in the joy of a story about standing proud and embracing who you are.