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Monday, June 6, 2016

Music Monday - "You Can't Stop the Beat" from Hairspray

I love musicals, whether musical theater or movie muscials.  One of my favorites from recent years is Hairspray.  This musical, first produced on stage in 2002 and adapted as a movie in 2007, is set in Baltimore in 1962. Hairspray was inspired by the 1988 John Waters movie.  The musical version went on to win eight Tony awards.   It tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, who wants to dance on The Corny Collins Show (a dance and music show that resembles American Bandstand).  She is rejected because she is a plus sized girl.  The show tries to hold onto an old fashioned, 1950's image, and also refuses to racially integrate.

 The final number of the show features Tracy finally dancing on The Corny Collins Show ... and the show featuring black teens for the first time.  The New York Times called this a "contagiously elating finale."

 It is such a fun song with great energy and wonderful dancing.

 I'm including a clip from So You Think You Can Dance (season 3) because I love the choreography of this number.
Here is a clip from the 2007 movie musical, which features Nikki Blonsky and John Travolta as her mother.
Have you seen Hairspray?  What is your favorite song from the show?   I'd love to hear from you in the comments, below.
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12 comments:

  1. Adriana ReneeJune 6, 2016 at 11:31 AM

    This song is so catchy! My freshman year of high school I remember doing a dance for this song in my dance class and it was so fun!

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  2. Joules (from Pocketful of Joules)June 6, 2016 at 11:38 AM

    As a Marylander, it's required that I love Hairspray and I usually belt out "Good morning Baltimore" whenever I drive into the city. lol

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  3. Once Upon a DollhouseJune 6, 2016 at 12:21 PM

    Musicals are SO much fun. Hairspray is def a Dollhouse favorite. Luckily, in Chicago we have access to a lot of great shows!

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  4. UnknownJune 6, 2016 at 3:14 PM

    Gosh, that brings back memories. Haven't seen this film in years.

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  5. Claire @ Eleventh AvenueJune 6, 2016 at 3:37 PM

    In my freshman year of high school dance class we had a dance to this and it was so fun! This brings back so many memories, haha. I might have to catch that movie sometime this week again.

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  6. KateJune 6, 2016 at 4:00 PM

    I went to this show when it came to San Francisco and watching them do this song gave me the chills! It was SO good! One of my favorite musicals!

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  7. RachelJune 6, 2016 at 4:36 PM

    This is such a good one! My favorite from Hairspray is "I Can Hear the Bells" :)

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  8. Birdhouse BooksJune 6, 2016 at 7:01 PM

    Thanks for visiting! I enjoyed reading your Hairspray memories.

    Joules, I love your story about "Good Morning, Baltimore."

    Rachel, I also love "I Can Hear the Bells" -- what a great song.

    Trish

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  9. Kati Rose @ Constantly Seeking WonderJune 6, 2016 at 9:22 PM

    This is one of those songs that always gets me singing along and feeling good!

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  10. SusannahJune 6, 2016 at 9:51 PM

    I adore Hairspray! It's SUCH a great musical! <3

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  11. UnknownJune 6, 2016 at 11:11 PM

    I love hairspray and this song always gets stuck in my head! What a great choice for a Monday!

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  12. Birdhouse BooksJune 13, 2016 at 5:03 PM

    Hi all! Thanks for stopping by! Glad you all enjoyed this song too -- it always makes me happy. :-)

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