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Hairspray (1988, rated PG), John Waters’ ode to early ‘60s Baltimore kitsch and R&B dance tunes, is a highlight of his long career of filmmaking, writing, and inspiring audiences everywhere by advancing LGBTQ visibility with dirty humor and style. For his first 'mid-career' movie, Waters mellowed his fixation on x-rated shock and trash to show us the Baltimore of 1962, when the teens were obsessed with the latest dances and Charm City was struggling with racial integration.
The hair is teased high, the shoes are squeaky and the fashions are eye-wateringly loud. Tracy Turnblad (Ricki Lake), a ‘pleasantly plump’ teen, auditions for a spot on the wildly popular Corny Collins dance show, against the wishes of her straightlaced parents (Jerry Stiller and the delightfully maternal Divine) who want Tracy to focus on her homework. She not only beats out mean girl Amber von Tussle but wins over Amber's boyfriend in the process, to the chagrin of Amber’s parents (a hilariously bitchy Debbie Harry and Sonny Bono). Ironically, although all the Corny Collins kids perfectly execute the steps to every soul and R&B tune, the segregated show refuses entry to black teens. Tracy uses her newfound fame to try to integrate the Corny Collins show, while competing with Amber to be Miss Auto Show of 1963. Scandals, pranks, romance and revenge fly fast and furious as Amber’s family resists the integration of the show and of the amusement park they own, Tilted Acres. Will racial harmony, body positivity and groovy dancing triumph in the end?
Many music legends feature, including Ruth Brown and the Cars’ Ric Ocasek (a Baltimore son). Waters’ original was followed by a Broadway musical version, a big-budget Hollywood version of that, and the meteoric rise of its star Ricki Lake, but it still stands tall as a landmark of cinematic camp and righteous inclusivity.
For ADA accommodations, call (213) 228-7430 at least 72 hours prior to the event.
Para ajustes razonables según la ley de ADA, llama al (213) 228-7430 al menos 72 horas antes del evento.