Welcome to the 60’s! The 1950s are out, and change is in the air!

It's 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable plus-size teen, Tracy Turnblad, has only one desire – to dance on the popular "Corny Collins Show." When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her newfound fame to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob, Link Larkin, and dance her way through a vibrant movement to bring representation and integration to Baltimore’s airwaves... all without denting her 'do!

At Short North Stage, we believe Hairspray, at its core, is a vibrant celebration of spirit, resistance, and the power of community. This show was inspired by the real-life Buddy Dean Show in 1960s Baltimore which was a beloved yet segregated teenage dance program that ultimately ended amid tensions around integration. Hairspray reflects this divisive time in our history and the many voices shaped by it and reimagines a more hopeful outcome for The Corny Collins Show where barriers are broken and communities come together through collective action. Through music, humor, and heart, Short North Stage is committed to telling this story with care, uplifting its themes of diversity, body positivity, allyship, joy, and connection. At this current moment, when questions of representation and belonging remain at the forefront, Hairspray invites you to reflect on the past while imagining a more inclusive future.

Hairspray, winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, is a feel-good celebration for audiences of all ages! Bursting with laughter, romance, electrifying dance numbers, and iconic songs like “Good Morning Baltimore,” “Run and Tell That!,” and “Without Love,” this high-energy hit will have you on your feet. Grab your tickets now and get ready to dance—because “You Can’t Stop the Beat!”