Hairspray

Hairspray
You can't stop the beat in this big and bold musical about one girl's inspiring dream to dance.

RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY. PROCESSING TIME FOR APPLICATIONS MAY EXCEED NORMAL WAIT TIMES. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE.

The 1950s are out, and change is in the air! Hairspray, winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, is a family-friendly musical, piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance and deliriously tuneful songs.

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 power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob, Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network... all without denting her 'do!

Hairspray is ideal for a large cast of strong singers and dancers. It provides great opportunities in terms of set design, costuming and lighting choices.

Mandatory Changes for Hairspray

Please read important information on changes made to Hairspray here. These changes must be applied to your production.

IMPORTANT CASTING INFORMATION

Licenses for Hairspray and Hairspray JR. will include a rider with the following language:

MTI receives many inquiries about the casting requirements for Hairspray. At its core, Hairspray is a story about acceptance and inclusion (and rejection and exclusion) during the early days of the civil rights movement. The authors' artistic vision requires that, in order to clearly and appropriately tell that story, the cast members in the show accurately reflect the characters as written. As such, the Production Contract requires that the cast members in your production of Hairspray accurately reflect the character descriptions contained in the script. Note: The use of make-up to portray Black characters in your production (e.g., blackface) is not permitted under this Production Contract. By signing the Production Contract, you agree to inform the director of your production of the casting requirements and that such use of make-up is strictly prohibited.

In the past, performance licenses for Hairspray did not include this provision. However, the authors have determined that expressly stating this requirement is an important component of ensuring that licensed productions of Hairspray accurately reflect the authors' intent.

Bring The Original Broadway Choreography To Your Stage

MTI and original Broadway choreographer Jerry Mitchell have partnered to revolutionize the way you choreograph your musicals with a new innovative resource: The Original Production (TOP)

Use the Official Jerry Mitchell Choreography for Hairspray and Legally Blonde

Concert Selections for Hairspray

MTI is pleased to provide the pre-approved rental materials of select songs for your symphonic concert performance. Please note, MTI is unable to grant the necessary Performance Rights with this material rental. The Performance Rights needed must be obtained separately through the individual song’s respective small rights agency such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. Please email concerts@mtishows.com with any questions.

  • GOOD MORNING BALTIMORE
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    Marc Shaiman
    Lyrics by
    Marc Shaiman
    Scott Wittman
    Orchestrated by
    Harold Wheeler
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Starting Key
    D
    Instrumentation

    2 Keyboard 1/PC, 20 Chorus Books, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, Trumpet, Trombone, Drums, 2 Percussion, Acoustic Guitar, Elctric Guitar, Keyboard 2, Keyboard 3, Electric Bass, 6 Cello, 16 Violins

  • I KNOW WHERE I'VE BEEN
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    Marc Shaiman
    Lyrics by
    Marc Shaiman &
    Scott Wittman
    Orchestrated by
    Harold Wheeler
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Starting Key
    A♭
    Estimated duration
    4 min 02 sec
    Instrumentation

    (24x) KEYBOARD 1/CONDUCTOR SCORE; (1x) REED 1: Alto Saxophone; (1x) REED 2: Tenor Saxophone; (1x) TRUMPET: Trumpet, Flugelhorn; (1x) TROMBONE; (2x) GUITARS 1 & 2; (2x) PERCUSSION: Tambourine, Timpani, Suspended Cymbal; (1x) DRUMS; (1x) KEYBOARD 2: "Strings"; (1x) KEYBOARD 3: "Fender Rhodes," "Organ"; (6x) VIOLIN; (4x) CELLO; (1x) BASS: Electric

  • MAMA, I'M A BIG GIRL NOW
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    Marc Shaiman
    Lyrics by
    Marc Shaiman
    Scott Wittman
    Orchestrated by
    Harold Wheeler
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Starting Key
    F
    Estimated duration
    3 min 18 sec
    Instrumentation
    (2x) KEYBOARD 1/CONDUCTOR SCORE, (15x) VOCAL BOOK, (1x) REED 1 (Tenor Saxophone), (1x) REED 2 (Baritone Saxophone), (1x) TRUMPET, (1x) TROMBONE, (2x) GUITARS 1 & 2 (Both Electric), (3x) PERCUSSION (Vibraphone, Timpani, Tambourine, Bells, Suspended Cymbal, Sleigh Bells), (1x) DRUMS, (1x) KEYBOARD 2, (1x) KEYBOARD 3, (16x) VIOLINS, (6x) CELLO, (1x) BASS (Electric)
  • YOU CAN'T STOP THE BEAT
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $100
    Music by
    Marc Shaiman
    Lyrics by
    Marc Shaiman
    Scott Wittman
    Orchestrated by
    Harold Wheeler
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Instrumentation

    Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Trumpet, Trombone, Drums, Percussion, 2 Guitars, Keyboard 1 (PC), Keyboard 2, Keyboard 3, Violins, Cello, Electric Bass, (20) Chorus Books.

  • YOU'RE TIMELESS TO ME
    First Performance Fee:
    $175
    Each Additional Performance:
    $125
    show more...
    Arrangement Details
    Song Type: Show Extraction
    Instrumentation

    Bass, Drums, Guitars 1 & 2, Keyboard 1/Conductor, Keyboard 2 (Strings), Keyboard 3 (Clarinets + Alto Flutes), Percussion (Vibes, Timpani, Orchestra Bells, Wood Block, Triangle, Mark Tree, Congas), Reed 1 (Alto Sax, Flute, Clarinet), Reed 2 (Tenor Sax, Flute, Clarinet), Trombone, Trumpet, Cello, Violin

Resources

No matter where you are on your theatrical journey, our innovative production resources will enhance your show experience!

Build confidence through choreography! Create stunning productions with instruction from Broadway’s best with Choreography Video Guides from Broadway Media.

Pre Performance
Two smiling people with their phones out

Manage your events and ticket sales online and create epic experiences.

Performance

No design skills needed! Create your show poster in minutes. All artwork complies with MTI’s billing guidelines.

Pre Performance

Give Your Cast and Crew the Tools for a Successful Rehearsal Process

Pre Performance
How Does the Show Go On

The ultimate book for theater lovers of all ages.

Bring Broadway to your own backyard by licensing the authorized keyboard programming for your show.

Performance
Logo Packs

Promote your show with the officially licensed logo.

Pre Performance
Logo T-shirts

Show your pride with t-shirts featuring your musical’s official logo.

Pre Performance
Orchextra

Play your show’s full score by adding in your orchestra’s missing instruments.

Performance

Perform your entire musical with a pre-recorded score played by a full orchestra of LIVE professional musicians right from your Apple iOS device.

Performance

Rehearse your entire musical with a pre-recorded score played by a full orchestra of LIVE professional musicians.

Performance

Listen to a cast or demo recording before licensing your next musical.

Pre Performance
RehearseScore App

Run rehearsals straight from your mobile device using a virtual accompanist that plays every note of your show’s score.

Pre Performance
Scenic Projection Show Packages

Elevate your production with affordable, script-accurate, animated digital scenery by Broadway Media.

Performance
Stage Manager Scripts

Facilitate cueing, blocking and all of your production needs with this customizable copy of the libretto. 

Pre Performance

Enable your creative team to easily track the moving pieces of your production.

Pre Performance
Transpositions On Demand

Change the key of any song and optimize your performer’s vocal range.

Pre Performance

Questions & Answers

February 03, 2021
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Related shows or resources: Hairspray, Hairspray JR.
Hairspray, Jr

Is this show still under refurbishment?

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October 08, 2018
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Related shows or resources: Hairspray, Hairspray JR.
Non diverse cast question

Hi 

We are doing Hairspray Jr with my middle school and saw that there are suggestions for doing the show with a non diverse cast. My cast has many different diversities and would love to have the email with yur suggestions.

Thank you and so looking forward to presenting the show

Best,

Cindi Kostylo

IS 228, Brooklyn NY

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March 31, 2018
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Non-chemical hairspray

Do you have a resource for the hairspray cans that are used in the show that are non chemical? 

Thanks

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August 29, 2017
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Hairspary Casting

Do we have to cast Edna Turnblad as a guy playing a women. I have a very talented, very large girl who I am considering for the role. 

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August 29, 2017
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Related shows or resources: Hairspray
Hairspary Casting

Do we have to cast Edna Turnblad as a guy playing a women. I have a very talented, very large girl who I am considering for the role. 

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This question has no answers
August 29, 2017
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Related shows or resources: Hairspray
Hairspray Casting

Do we have to cast Edna Turnblad as a guy playing a women. I have a very talented, very large girl who I am considering for the role. 

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January 12, 2017
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Can you please list the instruments covered in Keyboard 2 and 3? books?
Can you please tell me the instruments or settings covered in Keyboard 2 and Keyboard 3 for "Hairspray"?
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November 29, 2016
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Keyboard Parts
Can I have the keyboard 3 part PLEASE?
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September 29, 2016
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about full score?
If we work with an orchestra, I see that you have an Hairspray jr piano-voice full score, but the does the full score exists? With the brass, violin, etc? And how much would it cost? We dont have much money... Thanks for the infos!
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January 14, 2011
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Hairspray
Is there any ideas or suggestions on how to perform Hairspray in our school that has very few minorities??? My drama kids love the show and the music and have no problem portraying characters of different ethnicities... but can this be done and NOT offend anyone????
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