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A tool for using the theater across the curriculum to meet National Standards for Education ■ Production Overview ■ Lesson Guides ■ Student Activities HAIRSPRAY ■ At-Home Projects ■ Reproducibles

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This publication is based on the work of Hairspray with book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Whittman and Marc Shaiman. The content of the Hairspray edition of StageNOTES™: A Field Guide for Teachers is fully protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America and all other countries with A FIELD GUIDE FOR TEACHERS NOTES which the United States has reciprocal copyright relations. All rights regarding publishing, reprint permissions, public readings, and mechanical or electronic reproduction, including but not limited to, CD-ROM, information storage and retrieval systems and photocopying, and the rights of translation into foreign languages are strictly reserved.

Printed in the United States of America First printing, April 2003

ISBN: 1-930504-09-8

Look for the Original Broadway Cast Recording on Sony Classical

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2 StageNOTES™ (Life edition , can also ; and an writing , illuminates ; a exposes the past Hairspray Hairspray

Content Knowledge: (The Arts). the handout accompanies creative exercise study guide have been

Hairspray (Language Arts) ; a discussion topic a reproducible

Hairspray aids in our own self-exploration . A essay question 5 Hairspray; of , you will understand how into your classroom activities. (Behavioral Studies), interactive class activity that encourages students to interact with family, friends, or that encourages students to interact with family, the tenth in our series. We are proud to be affiliated with this are proud to the tenth in our series. We , study guide is for you, the educator, in response to your need study guide is for you, the educator, ™

excerpt from the script Hairspray

; and an StageNOTES™ ; an , written by John S. Kendall and Robert J. Marzano (1997). This , expands our visual and verbal vocabulary and encourages creative thinking and expression

Hairspray StageNOTES the human condition Skills), educators, scholars, The Camp Broadway creative team, consisting of theater of lesson plans researchers, and theater professionals, has developed a series that, although inspired by and themed around the musical of (History) assignment each lesson unit, which contains: an definitive compilation was published by Mid-Continent Regional Education Inc. (McREL) and the Association for Supervision and Curricular Laboratory, and analysis of Development (ASCD) after a systematic collection, review, noteworthy national and state curricular documents in all subjects. The Jodi Simon Stewart Director of Education Camp Broadway Camp Broadway is pleased to bring you Camp Broadway and the spirit of youth. tolerance, joyous musical celebrating individuality, as a teaching tool to assist educators in the This guide has been developed their students to the story in conjunction with classroom who are introducing the Broadway production. By using works. To accompany class study of the period and other related literary we have included: an assist you in preparing your presentation of each lesson, objective “after hours activity” the community at large. The curriculum categories offered in the informed by the basic standards of education detailed in A Compendium of Standards and Benchmarks for K–12 Education, 2nd A Compendium of Standards and Benchmarks for K–12 Edition hope this study guide will help you for standards-compliant curriculum. We incorporate Field Guide Using the Using 24 29

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...... 35 ...... 8 ...... 11 ...... 3 ...... 40 ...... 7 ...... 9 ...... 10 ...... LIFE SKILLS THE ARTS HISTORY LANGUAGE ARTS STUDIES BEHAVIORAL ...... 5 ......

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...... 6 ...... Discussion...... 25 ...... Writing. .26 ...... Experiential ...... 27 Behavioral Studies to Go ...... 28 Discussion...... 31 ...... Writing. .32 ...... Experiential ...... 33 Life Skills to Go ...... 34 Discussion ...... 36 Writing ...... 37 Experiential ...... 38 The Arts to Go...... 39 ...... Discussion ...... 14 ...... Writing .15 ...... Experiential ...... 16 History to Go ...... 17 ...... Discussion ...... 20 ...... Writing .21 ...... Experiential ...... 22 Language Arts to Go ...... 23 Overture to Overture to Overture to Overture to Overture to

Table of Using the Field Guide of Opening Night Note Producer’s Synopsis Characters Musical Numbers Good Morning, Baltimore About John Waters Table Using the Lessons Hairspray Contents

Stage NOTES ™ StageNOTES ™

hen I optioned the rights to John Waters’ movie Hairspray, I never ™ StageNOTES W imagined what a thrilling journey lay ahead. I did believe that the film would make a successful Broadway musical because of its Cinderella storyline, its larger-than-life heroine, and, of course, its many possibilities for rousing song and dance. But the show that arrived in New York in the summer of 2002 exceeded my wildest expectations.

Along with the financing and management of a production, commissioning producers choose the creative team: book writer, composer, lyricist, choreographer, designers, and director. The Hairspray writers began working in the winter of 2000. Between that date and December 2001 (by which time our complete artistic

Producer’s Note Producer’s team was assembled), we held four Margo Lion Adam Epstein The Baruch ∑ Viertel ∑ Routh ∑ Frankel Group James D. Stern/DouglasSEL L.& GFOMeyer New Rick Line Steiner/Frederic Cinema H. Mayerson readings where the actors performed with In Association With Clear Channel Entertainment A. Gordon/E. McAllister scripts in hand and sang to the D. Harris/M. Swinsky J. & B. Osher Present accompaniment of three musicians. In HAIRSPRAY May 2002, two months before coming to New York, the production had a successful Book By Music By Lyrics By Mark O’Donnell Marc Shaiman Scott Wittman three-week tryout run in Seattle. On August Thomas Meehan Marc Shaiman 15th, Hairspray opened on Broadway. Based upon the New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters Starring My partners and I are thrilled to be part of Marissa Jaret Winokur Harvey Fierstein an event that brings so much joy to Also Starring Laura Bell Bundy Mary Bond Davis Kerry Butler Linda Hart audiences eight times a week. Along with Jackie Hoffman Matthew Morrison Corey ReynoldsDick Latessa Clarke Thorell Joel Vig Danelle Eugenia Wilsonand the satisfaction of having a hit show, we With feel especially happy that Hairspray Eric Anthony Shoshana Bean Denosh Bennett Joshua Bergasse J.P. Dougherty Eric Dysart Adam Fleming Greg Graham Danielle Lee Greaves Katy Grenfell John Hill Hollie Howard Katharine Leonard Kamilah Martin celebrates the uniqueness of a country that Alli Mauzey Rashad Naylor Judine Richard Peter Matthew SmithCostumes Todd Designed Michel by Smith Lighting ShaynaDesigned bySteele Brooke Tansley is inclusive and diverse and where one Scenery Designed by David Rockwell William Ivey Long Kenneth Posner person really can make a difference. Tracy Sound Designed by Casting by Wigs & Hair Designed by Steve C. Kennedy Bernard Telsey Casting Paul Huntley Turnblad and her friends are determined to Production Stage Manager Associate Director Associate Choreographer Frank Lombardi Matt Lenz Michele Lynch make the world a better place; we hope Orchestrations by Music Direction by Arrangements by Music Coordinator that message will be an inspiration to your Harold Wheeler Lon Hoyt Marc Shaiman John Miller Daniel C. Staton General Management Technical Supervisor Press Representative Associate Producers students as they think about their Richard Frankel Productions Tech Production Richard Kornberg Rhoda Mayerson Laura Green Services, Inc. Don Summa The Aspen Group Choreography by experience at Hairspray and work through Jerry Mitchell Direction by these study guide materials. Jack O’Brien — Margo Lion The world premiere of “HAIRSPRAY” was produced with the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, Washington David Armstrong, Producing Artistic Director; Marilynn Sheldon, Managing Director

SONY CLASSICAL The producers wish to express theirORIGINAL appreciation BROADWAY to CAST Theatre RECORDING Development ON Fund for its support of this production.

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Synopsis Collins Council. “Negro Day” on Motormouth Maybelle (the host of once-a-month where she befriends Seaweed J. Stubbs, the son of since she was crowned “Miss Baltimore Crabs.” and lamenting that times certainly have changed Bells.” Velma rejects Tracy, sneering at her weight ending. Tracy sees Link and swoons “I Can Hear the into the WZZT studios just as auditions are mothers, declaring “Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now.” Amber and Penny. The girls stubbornly resist their the audition, Velma and Prudy argue with daughters, Joke Shop), tells Tracy to follow her dream. but her father, Wilbur (owner of the Har-de-Har Hut skeptical, fearing Tracy’s size will lead to rejection, Teenage Hairspray 1962” contest. well as the national broadcast of upcoming “Miss announces auditions for an opening on the show, as steer the kids “in white direction.” On air, Corny Detroit sound.” She reminds him that they have to Corny, the host, about including songs with “that girlfriend, Amber, to hog the camera, while berating instructs her teen-queen daughter and Link’s white.” points out that it “ain’t colored. The TV’s black and of teenagers dancing to “colored music.” Edna mother, Prudy Pingleton, expresses her disapproval Edna, slaves away at her ironing board. Penny’s sigh over handsome Link Larkin, Tracy’s mother, “The Nicest Kids in Town.” While Tracy and Penny Pingleton, watch After school, she and her best friend, Penny (“Welcome to the ’60s”). Edna out on the town for a fashion makeover sensation. After her mother forgives her, Tracy takes Two,” dedicating it to Tracy, now an overnight see Tracy on TV, the newest member of steps she learned from Seaweed. school dance, Tracy catches Corny’s eye while doing A Synopsis of H

At school, Tracy’s hairdo lands her in detention, Making their own decision, Tracy and Penny race While Edna tells Tracy to forget about going Tracy wants to audition for the show. Edna is In the studio, show producer, Velma Von Tussle, The next day, an astonished Edna and Wilbur

another day (“Good Morning, Baltimore”). teenager Tracy Turnblad wakes up ready for airspray The Corny Collins Show

opens in June 1962, as plus-sized Link sings the latest hit, “It Takes The Corny Collins Show Hairspray .) At a

, starring Corny 8 Stop the Beat.” company in declaring “You Can’t and old, as Tracy leads the and white, fat thin, young They all dance together; black that’s dedicated to everyone. victory and perform a dance from the audience to claim won the crown, Tracy bursts in Just as it looks like Amber has the absent Tracy (“Cooties”). performs a dance she dedicates to Teenage Hairspray 1962.” Amber Tracy are finalists for the title of “Miss Teenage Hairspray 1962” (“Hairspray”). Amber and swing and ready to announce the winner of “Miss ending (“I Know Where I’ve Been”). reminds them that the fight against injustice is never clutches (“Without Love”). and Seaweed rescues Penny from her mother’s improvised with a lighter and can of hairspray), and breaks her out of jail (using a blowtorch Me”). Meanwhile, Link realizes his love for Tracy solitary confinement. released on bail, except Tracy, who is moved to detention, “The Big Dollhouse.” Everyone is drag Tracy and all the women off to jail. demonstration turns into a riot; the police arrive and all, they’re both “Big, Blonde & Beautiful.” The Motormouth persuades her to accept herself — after protest. She is self-conscious about her weight, but back to Amber. Edna is dubious about joining the on national TV. He leaves a heartbroken Tracy to go rejects the idea, fearing it will hurt his chance to be lead a protest during “Mother-Daughter Day.” Link can’t all dance together on the show and plans to welcomes them warmly; Tracy wonders why they (“Run and Tell That”). Motormouth Maybelle immediate crush on him) to his mother’s record shop invites Tracy, Link, and Penny (who has an knocks out her rival, Tracy. To cheer her up, Seaweed

The next day, Corny’s prime-time show is in full The four flee to Motormouth’s record shop. She Wilbur comforts a downcast Edna (“Timeless to Act Two opens in the women’s house of During a rough scatter dodgeball game, Amber

Show Denizens of Baltimore Gym Teacher, Principal, Matron, Guard, Motormouth Maybelle Little Inez Mr. Pinky to the ’60s” The Dynamites Thad Lorraine Gilbert Duane Seaweed J. Stubbs Wilbur Turnblad Harriman F. Spritzer Velma Von Tussle Penny Pingleton Edna Turnblad Prudy Pingleton Link Larkin Lou Ann IQ Shelley Sketch Brenda Fender Tammy Brad Collins Show Amber Von Tussle Corny Collins to be a dancer on Tracy Turnblad Characters — dancer on clothing store of “Negro Day” on Hairspray, sponsor of , object of Tracy’s affection — dancer on — friend of Seaweed — friend of Seaweed — dancer on — dancer on — dancer on — dancer on — friend of Seaweed — dancer on — friend of Seaweed — dancer on — owner of Mr. Pinky’s Hefty Hideaway — Seaweed’s little sister — male star of

— host of The Corny Collins Show — mother of Tracy — teenager from Baltimore, wants

— female singing trio in “Welcome The Corny Collins Show

— father of Tracy — mother of Penny — Tracy’s best friend The Corny Collins Show — mother of Amber

— female star of

The Corny Collins Show

— befriends Tracy in detention The Corny Collins Show

The Corny Collins Show

— President of Ultra Clutch The Corny Collins Show

The Corny Collins Show

— Seaweed’s mother, host The Corny Collins Show

The Corny Collins The Corny Musical Numbers YuCntSo h et . “You Can’t Stop the Beat” . “Cooties” . “Hairspray” . “I Know Where I’ve Been” . “Without Love” . “Timeless to Me” . “Good Morning, Baltimore” (Reprise) “The Big Dollhouse” Two Act . “Big, Blonde & Beautiful” . “Run and Tell That” “Welcome . to the ’60s” . “It Takes Two” . “The Nicest Kids in Town” (Reprise) . “(The Legend of) Miss Baltimore Crabs” . “I Can Hear the Bells” . “Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now” “The Nicest Kids in Town” “Good Morning, Baltimore” Act One . 9 . .Women . .Corny Collins & Council Members . .Tracy & Company Edna & Tracy, Velma & Amber, Penny & Prudy Motormouth, Little Inez, Tracy, Edna, Wilbur Tracy, Link, Penny, Seaweed, Edna, Wilbur, Tracy, Edna, The Dynamites & Company Seaweed, Little Inez & Company Link, Tracy, Seaweed, Penny Amber & Council Members Velma & Council Members Corny & Council Members Corny & Council Members Motormouth & Company Motormouth & Company Wilbur & Edna Link & Tracy

Tracy Tracy

NOTES Stage ™ StageNOTES™

The Cry

Snow

The Buddy , . Divine originally wanted to

Variety

Hairspray and the Wicked Queen from and the Wicked , for which Waters invented Odorama — , for which Waters drew a larger audience than Waters’ earlier drew a larger audience than Waters’

Peter Pan ). Waters even appeared in cartoon guise on even appeared in ). Waters , in which Waters regulars Divine and Mink Stole , in which Waters Polyester , but settled on

Hairspray 11 ■ became a midnight-movie smash, and earned John Waters the became a midnight-movie smash, and earned John Waters

White Lipstick Pink Flamingos

, was shown in the basement of Baltimore’s Cecil B. Demented , and

Pink Flamingos

, an after-school dance show, in which local teens bopped to pop hits. Waters dance show, , an after-school Waters has continued to set all his films in Baltimore, keeping true to his particular has continued to set all his films in Baltimore, keeping Waters ’s success drew a wide audience to Waters’ subsequent films (which include success drew a wide audience to Waters’ ’s

Roman Candles

ilmmaker John Waters, born in Baltimore on April 22, 1946, had offbeat interests from born in Baltimore on April 22, 1946, ilmmaker John Waters, drawn to the spooky and bizarre; he was fascinated by the beginning. As a child, he was from the characters of Captain Hook Serial Mom

. At age six, he asked his mother to take him on a tour of the local . At age six, he asked his mother , F scratch-and-sniff cards that audiences were given to smell at various points in the movie. obsession with became interested in making a movie about his childhood Waters the trade journal of the entertainment industry. and he His grandmother gave him a movie camera for his sixteenth birthday, his casts, began shooting short films in and around his parents’ house. For he assembled an ensemble of friends who would appear in his films star was the drag performer Divine (real name Waters’ throughout his career. role. Glenn Milstead), whose persona grew more outrageous with every showed his early films whenever and wherever he could. One John Waters project, battled for the title of “Filthiest People Alive.” A wild comic-horror plot including kidnapping, battled for the title of “Filthiest People Alive.” A wild comic-horror ate dog excrement in full view arson, and cannibalism was capped by a scene in which Divine of the camera. junkyard so he could look at the wrecked cars and imagine the auto junkyard so he could look at the accidents. party He became interested in puppets; his talent for keeping birthday puppet show audiences spellbound earned him up to $25 per age twelve, performance, a substantial amount for a kid in the 1950s. By to he was intensely interested in show business, and subscribed “Timeless to Me” “Timeless to skewed vision and delighting audiences with his tales of eccentric characters who revel in the excesses of tastelessness and trash. play both teen heroine Tracy Turnblad and her mother, Edna. However, Waters cast Divine as Waters Edna. However, and her mother, Turnblad play both teen heroine Tracy station owner Arvin Hodgepile, one of the rare times (and frumpy housewife Edna Turnblad unknown Ricki Lake won the role of Divine played a man on screen) and nineteen-year-old Tracy. its PG rating and subject matter, With title “The Pope of Trash.” reunited to make Divine and John Waters considered calling the film Emmanuel Episcopal Church (admission 75¢). The movie used an experimental technique in Emmanuel Episcopal Church (admission 75¢). The movie used which three projectors ran simultaneously. His breakthrough film was White Deane Show movies. It became one of the hits of 1988, catapulting Ricki Lake to fame, and earning Divine release, Divine soon after the movie’s critical praise for his performance as Edna. Tragically, died in his sleep. Hairspray Baby Simpsons. About Waters John About ■ Francis Scott Key Scott Key Francis takes place, more than

Hairspray — John Waters 10 In 1844, the first telegraph line linked Baltimore D.C. and Washington, In the early 1960s, the time when half of the population of Baltimore was African-American. The city had half of the population of Baltimore was African-American. The be voluntarily decided to desegregate the school system, rather than “white flight” (affluent white However, forced to do so by court order. families moving to the suburbs) meant that the increasingly overcrowded schools had a much higher percentage of black students than white. Despite the efforts to integrate schools, Baltimore remained heavily segregated, as it had been from its earliest days. record shop in the location of Motormouth Maybelle’s (North Avenue, Blacks were was originally the northern boundary of the city. the show, not allowed to cross this boundary after dark.) Baltimore, sometimes described as “an outpost of the North in a Southern state,” found itself in a strategic position in the civil rights movement of the ‘60s. The proximity of the capital city to the nation’s made it a popular place for civil rights activists to stage protests and rallies. central position The city’s between the North and the South, the very location that made put Baltimore in it an economic center, the midst of the social struggle that divided the entire country. ■ — and in all his films — John Waters captures the sometimes tacky, always tacky, captures the sometimes Waters — and in all his films — John is set in Baltimore, Maryland, John Waters’ hometown. Baltimore’s unique character comes hometown. Baltimore’s Waters’ is set in Baltimore, Maryland, John Hairspray

airspray a city on the border It is an urban center with a rural sensibility, from its many paradoxical qualities: science a blue-collar town that is home to world-class institutions of between the North and the South, H “In Baltimore, hair is politics.” hair is politics.” “In Baltimore, and culture. In exuberant, unself-conscious quality of Baltimore and its citizens. exuberant, unself-conscious quality was founded in 1729 the Maryland Colony, named for Lord Baltimore, one of the founders of Baltimore Town, Baltimore, the westernmost port on the eastern at the large natural harbor at the mouth of the Patapsco River. a natural center of trade. coast, as well as a midpoint between North and South, became a “den of pirates In the war of 1812, Britain attacked Baltimore, which they considered Maryland lawyer McHenry, on the Chesapeake.” While witnessing the bombardment of Fort account of envelope. Key’s Francis Scott Key scribbled his impressions on the back of an our national anthem. Banner,” “the bombs bursting in air” became “The Star-Spangled tracks in the United States Baltimore can claim some important “firsts”: The first railroad the port of Baltimore. were laid there in 1829, connecting the landlocked Midwest with Formstone was patented in 1937 by “Good Morning, Baltimore” Morning, “Good extremely soft and porous. As buildings chip away, aged, masonry would decay, and fall off. Formstone was one of a number of cement-based “artificial stone” products created to repair and upgrade building exteriors. the Lasting Products Company of pitched salesmen Baltimore; door-to-door Formstone as a low-maintenance way to upgrade a middle-class home, giving it the wealthy look of stone.

Formstone was troweled on in thin layers; the top Formstone reached the peak of its popularity in the Due to the unique composition of the soil around

layer could be tinted to simulate the shadings of stone. Crinkled wax paper was applied to the wet “stone” and removed to provide texture, while grooves were cut in to look like the mortar between “stones.” ‘40s and ‘50s, making Baltimore the “Formstone ‘70s and ‘80s tastes had By the Capital of the World.” changed, and Formstone use dwindled. Formstone is still used in construction in parts of the world today, and is very popular in Australia and New Zealand. Baltimore, brick manufactured in the area was According to John Waters, Formstone is the “polyester According to John Waters, of brick.” What Is What Is Formstone?

Stage NOTES ™ Discussion: The focus is on To go: A student worksheet of facilitating an in-depth class additional activities to be dialogue. completed outside of class. Writing: The focus is on the

HISTORY expression of thoughts in Overture to to go written form. History Reproducible Experiential: The focus is on NAME DATE 3. CLASS TEACHER After understanding social dynamics HOURS Experiential as well as collaboration and 1. What doYOU think? Refer to “Welcome to the 60s” teamwork in small and large (pages 12 and 13) and search for these items on the internet.N groups. Two of the notable names mentioned in Watch one of these shows (you may even SO Look for graphics asS well as “Welcome to the ’60s” (pages 12 and 13) are find the original Mickey Mouse Club still E L “I Know Where I’ve Been” FrankieClub Avalon and his “favorite Mouseketeer,” playing in reruns on the Disney Channel). other printouts. Prepare a five- Annette Funicello. The original Mickey Mouse Have you been a fan of one of these kinds of minute oral report on your (which ran from 1955 to 1959) featured shows? What did you know about the cast 1 research. the Mouseketeers singing and dancing. Each members? Do you think what you see on the day had a different theme: Fun with Music show reflects who the person really is? (For Scrapbooks of teen idols were airspray takes place in 1962, at a time when the civil rights movement was Day, Guest Star Day, Anything Can Happen example, Tracy presents herself more or less as very much a part Historyof the world Day, Circus Day, and Talent Round-up Day. she is, while Amber tries to project an image for teenagers. To make this into Just as in Hairspray’s The Corny Collins Show, much nicer than her actual personality.) gathering momentum. Racial tension was high; demonstrations and riots were in a fun event, gather the the cast members (most prominently Annette) How do you think people on these shows Experiential Writing graphics beforehand and create had an enthusiastic fan following. are affected by fame? How long does it last? your own scrapbook. Also, H the news daily. More and more students, both in college and in high school, were The Mickey Mouse Club returned in Does it change their life permanently or only 1977 as The New Mickey Mouse Club, and temporarily? How do you think you would when you present your report, againClub in 1989 as The All-New Mickey Mouse handle beingExperiential on a television Objective show that made From thedressScript up in what you think becoming involved in protests against segregation in all areas of society. or MMC. This version of the show you famous? To see how the lives of our Act 1, Scenewould 1 be an outfit from 1962. Conflicting ideas concerning conformity and work ethic affected families back in the 50s and 60s just as they do today.N featured then-unknowns Britney Spears, parents when they were and certainly not the most glamorous answer, to life. In thisFROM excerpt, THE we see SCRIPTTracy’s growing interest in cutting school,O Below is a time line listing some of the major events in the struggle for civil rights, both The teens inHairspray were beginning to think that hard work and staying in school were not necessarily the rightSS answer, Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake, and Keri auditioning for E teenagers affect our decisions L Russell in the cast. and our lives today. The Corny Collins Show, and what it might mean for her family. before and after Hairspray. RealThere World are many shows currently on the air Using the Lessons that bring “instant celebrity” to the people 1 featured (American Idol, Star Search, even The Teaching Tips Tracy: Edna: Tracy: or Survivor), in the same way that Mother, you are so fifties. Being big enough is not the Thanks, Daddy. Show. Tracy becomes a star on The Corny Collins ■ Begin with a brainstorm on Even our first lady, Jackie problem, Wilbur. B. Kennedy, rats her hair. History career options today, and Edna: 1946 Wilbur: Tracy, come back up here. compare them to the career Edna: When I was your age my I’ve got hampersWriting of laundry Discussion choices of your parents. Are the Yeah? Well, you ain’t no parents begged me to run and my diet pill is wearing Concerned about the prevalence of racial first lady, are ya? She’s a away with the circus, but I off! options the same or different? hair hopper — that’s what said, “No. That’s what you 2. got her put in detention want. I have dreams of my Tracy: discrimination, President Harry S. Truman EXPRESS yourself ■ Would you think about going again. Writingown.” I dreamt of opening a But, Mama I want to be chainObjective of joke shops From the Script (taking Wilbur aside) famous. into the same profession or worldwide. So, okay, I’ve Act 1, Scene 1 Ask yourself this question: What role does media play in my life? Then write a short but well- Wilbur, talk to her. Girls To analyze how media attention can establishes the President’s Committee on still only got one, but some organized one-to-two page composition looking at different formsdoing of media the samethat have kind a ofstrong work like Tracy...People like In this scene, theEdna: girls are watching a teen dance program on TV. Tracy and Penny are particularly struck by images of influenceday, itsif audiences, I can figure and theout how FROM THE SCRIPT N impact on your life. Do you watch TV? What shows do you watch?that Which members ones have of your actors, family are us...You know what I’m Youcool, want young to people, be famous?how they dress,Learn how they appear, and how they are encouraged to look, illustratingO the ways in resultingto keepconsequences the air from aleaking S saying. They don’t put how to get blood out of car S Civil Rights. situations or story lines that you think about and find involving? Howdoing? often Do doyou you daydream go to the about out of my sofa-sized Whoopee which these icons are encouraged to appeal to the young TV audience. E people like us on TV — historical perspective. upholstery. Now there’s a L movies? What kinds of movies do you tend to like? What is your favorite movie right now? What Cushion, I’m going to make a your future or do you prefer to Except to be laughed at. skill you could takeEdna: to the Velma: movie are you looking forward to seeing and why? What about the news? How affected are you by noise heard ‘round the bank. You think I wanted to live in the moment and let the world! Turn that racket down. I’m trying to And we’re off! All right,1 people, the news? What news do you listen to or read? spend my life washing and future take care of itself? If Wilbur: (Edna screams with delight!) iron in here. how many times do I have to tell you (to Tracy) ironing other people’s You follow your dream, baby. unmentionables? No, I wanted — We do NOT touch ourselves — Organize your composition according to the specific medium you’reyou’re talking a daydreamer, about and decidedo you This TV thing... You really TeachingI’m grabbin’ Tips an Orange Crush to design them. I thoughtCorny: I anywhere — while on camera. Tammy, dream of doing things within want it? and heading back down to the whether or not you think that medium is a large, mid-size, or small part of your life. ■ Put the word "cool" on the board. wouldSO, IFbe theEVERY biggest NIGHT thing YOU’RE SHAKING lose the padding. HistoryYou, too, Fender. your reach, or do you dream of Har-Dee-Har Hut. I’ve got my AS YOU LIE IN BED (the kids sheepishly turn away to Tracy: in brassieres. Well, you Note dreamthat the... CornyAnd I Collins wuv it! dancers deal with what life gives remove their padding) things that seem more difficult It’s my dream, daddy. are termed "cool" on his show. Have you.AND NowTHE start BASS folding.AND DRUMS And Link, stopDiscussion hogging the camera; to achieve? How do you Edna: Copyright 2003, Camp Broadway students write down all the words ARE POUNDING IN YOUR HEAD you’re not Elvis yet. Amber...Hog compare your dreams with those Wilbur: (laughing again) Tracy: the camera. Then you go for it. This isrelated to the word. Then ask the 17 You’re not helping, Wilbur! Ugh.WHO CARES ABOUT SLEEP of your sisters, brothers, friends, America, babe. You gotta Summary of Standard for following(Wilbur questions: exits and Tracy WHEN YOU CAN SNOOZE IN SCHOOL Amber: and other peers? think big to be big. follows.) Discussion Objective From the Script THEY’LL NEVER GET TO COLLEGE Yes, mother. Act 1, Scene 8 HISTORICAL UNDERSTANDING ■ BUT THEY SURETo LOOK explore COOL various societal What is your perception of the Edna and Tracy Turnblad both share a spirit for equality, fairness and friendship that is free of racial prejudice. In DON’T NEED A perspectivesCAP AND A andGOWN how they Velma: Exercise word "cool" today? Does it mean the ‘CAUSE THEY’RE THE Andthis YOU, scene, Mr.the younger Collins! generation None boldly of leads that the older generation into a protest in order to make society fair and have affected the course of Have the class discuss the role schoolsame plays today in their as futureit meant plans in and the expectations.50s DoesNICEST school KIDS play aIN large TOWN part, or is Detroitjust. sound today. You have it insignificant? Do the choices theyand make 60s? in school If not, reflect what their word dreams? has THEY’RE THE history. something against Connie Francis? NICEST, NICEST 1. Understanding and analyzing replaced it? Who would you consider THEY’RE THE Tracy: Tracy: Next, ask the class to develop a survey exploring the attitude of people in their parents’ generation concerning school. Corny: to be a "cool" person? Think about a NICEST, NICEST Okay. So this is how we’re gonna do Ms. Motormouth, you and little Inez Possible survey topics can include what courses they took, how seriously they took these classes, how their culture and The kids are just over the moon for THEY’RE THE it; tomorrow, everyone bring your will walk in first. Mama and me will chronological relationships and family ethnicity effected them, whatfriend, their families someone thought in the of education,media, family how their educational path may or may not rhythm and blues, Velma. They can’t SUGAR AND SPICE-EST,Teaching NICEST Tips mothers . . . be right behind you. Featured Lesson Units have changed as they grew older and/ormember the consequences whom you considerof their education "cool." on their lives. Once the survey questions get enough. KIDS IN TOWN ■ Do you believe that people from patterns: have been determined, each studentWhy should would conduct you theconsider survey themat home "cool"? with friends or family members. In the Penny: Edna: various groups and societies are Velma: following class period, the students should discuss the answers they have obtained in groups of three orequal four, andto each reach other and should … and sisters!. Excuse me? Corny: They’re kids, Corny. That’s why we ■ a consensus about the meaning of education for their interviewees. Finally, have theAnd entire that class reconvenewas beour treated to new compare indance equal ways?of the Analyze influence of specific the role of education for students both■ Takenow and a look then. at Connie Francis, who have to steer themTracy: in the white Tracy: 1 History week — the “Stricken Chicken.” We’ll direction...I mean...you know what I is mentioned in the above script ■ Do you believe that people in … and meet around the corner from They’ll never be able to shove them be right back. mean. beliefs on these times. How excerpt. Who would be considered (Lights shiftdifferent in societies the andTV culturesstudio.) can the studio and make signs! back through the door with us be comfortable interacting with blocking it. your Connie Francis today? What 16 one another? Or, on the other Penny: would events be different in the would make him or her "cool"? Whom 2 Language Arts Exercise hand, do you believe that there are craftedYes! andAnd dramatic put words scene. Thison personthem! can circulate do some people consider "cool" that some important differences to among the student writers and offer advice as they go absence of these beliefs? you do not? What images are Have your students imaginenotice? anIf so, equivalent do those of differences an through the process of writing their scenes.) American Bandstandaffect, Soul our Train behavior?, or Corny How? Collins Show projected in the media today that you as it would be on TV today. Divide them into groups of OnceExercise the scenes have been written and presented in ■ 3 Behavioral Studies like? What images are projected in six, with each student becomingDo you believe a character that members on the of class,The discussstruggle the to similaritiesachieve equity and differences in race relations among became a central issue for society in the 1960s. ■ Analyze the effects specific different cultural groups can date, the media today that you do not like? show. The roles may include playing a producer like them.The white Then, populationexplore the varioushad very purposes little information that the and experience with the topic, unlike today, where Velma, an announcerintermarry, like Corny have Collins, children, or the and dancing producerssociety stronglymay have supports had for their equal audiences. rights. In each couples. Have eachcommunicate group write a asshort effectively scene as scene, look at the way in which the image of the decisions had on history. How dramatizing each characterfamilies motivation. with all members For example, from the moderator or program host is projected and the ways in 1955 4 Life Skills why has the producersame chosen cultural to create background? this show Explain for whichAt first, the havedancers individuals are projected. in the How class do your find students’ subjects they feel strongly about and are willing to would things have been different his/her audience? Whatyour arefeelings the dancers and beliefs. thinking during scenes,discuss. describing Pair up dance students shows with today, different differ from beliefs or and have them debate these opposing viewpoints. the show? resemble each other focusing on their proposed In Montgomery, Alabama, Rosa Parks ■ What are the pros and cons Each StageNOTES™ lesson includes influence1. Have on your a viewing students audience? read the Overture to History "I Know Where I’ve Been" (Pages 11 and 12) in the absence of these specific experienced in a family where (Teachers may want to enlist a theater professional to in order to identify two or three events that they might be familiar with. Ask them to take a 5 The Arts consult with the classeveryone about theis from elements the same of a well-cultural refuses to give up her seat to a white man the following components: group? What about in families strong stance on one topic and a neutral stance on a second topic, covering as many dates and decisions? 1947 made up of differing cultural events as possible. Then, have them pair up to discuss the different perspectives surrounding groups? in defiance of local laws. Bus boycott led by 15 each topic. Jackie Robinson joins the Brooklyn Dodgers Objective: 2. In class, have your students discuss current events that they feel very strongly about. Some 2. Understanding the historical Martin Luther King, Jr. successfully examples might be a war or health care issues, such as drug prescription costs for the elderly. and becomes the first black Major League An overall note to the teacher outlining the Have all the issues written down on the blackboard and in each instance, have the class perspective: overturns the ordinance. identify and explain those that they have strong opinions about and those that they are not as player. goals of the lesson to follow. concerned with. ■ Understand that the consequences 3. For homework, have the students interview people aged 60 and over who remember the events listed in the Overture to History covering 1946-1968. Ask the interviewees what their of human intentions are memories are of two or three events. Then, have the students discuss these interviews in small 1957 groups of three or four after which they can share their findings with the full class. influenced by the means of 1948 From the script: President carrying them out. President Truman orders the integration of An excerpt from the script of Hairspray to help Dwight D. ■ Understand how the past affects the U.S. military. “set the stage” for the activity that follows. 14 Eisenhower our private lives and society in sends federal general. 1954 Exercise: troops to A detailed description and instructions for the In Brown v. Topeka, Kansas, Board of ■ Perceive past events with enforce the activity to be facilitated in class. Education, the U.S. Supreme Court historical empathy. right of nine declares that “separate educational ■ Evaluate credibility and black students Teaching Tips: facilities are inherently unequal,” and authenticity of historical sources. to enroll at Direct questions teachers may use to help guide orders that students be admitted to public ■ Central High School in Little Rock, the students through the activity. Evaluate the validity and schools without regard to race. credibility of different historical Arkansas. interpretations. continued on next page

The Standards listed throughout the StageNOTES™ Field Guide are excerpted from Content Knowledge: A Compendium of Standards and Benchmarks for K-12 Education (2nd Edition) by John S. Kendall and Robert J. Marzano, published by Mid-Continent Regional Educational Laboratory, Inc. (McREL) and the Association for Supervision and Curricular Development (ASCD), 1997.

13 12 “I Know Where I’ve Been” (continued from previous page) “Welcome to the ‘60s” the reactions of ordinary people to pranks Metrecal First introduced in 1960, Gina Lollobrigida Sultry Italian actress 1960 played by Funt and his cast. The show Metrecal (from “metered calories”) was a Gina Lollobrigida was known in the ‘50s Sit-ins at segregated public restaurants first aired in 1948 and has been revived canned diet drink, like today’s Slim·Fast. as “The Most Beautiful Woman in the and lunch counters are held throughout on various TV networks for over 50 years. World.” the South. Eddie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds, Liz and Dick Peyton Place Based on a popular novel, Singer Eddie Fisher and perky film “Castro’s invading” In 1961 the United 1961 this 1957 melodrama delved into the comedienne Debbie Reynolds married in States launched an unsuccessful attempt sordid secrets of a New England town. It 1955 (they are the parents of to overthrow Cuban leader Fidel Castro Freedom Riders challenge “white only” Wars rules at drinking fountains, lunch became the first prime-time soap opera writer/actress Carrie Fisher, perhaps best by invading the Bay of Pigs. Tensions counters, and rest rooms in bus and 1967 television series in 1964. known as Princess Leia from the Star remained high between Cuba and the train stations in the South. Thurgood Marshall becomes the first movies). Fisher fell in love with U.S., peaking in the Cuban Missile Crisis black Supreme Court justice. Elizabeth “Liz” Taylor, and married her in in October of 1962. 1963 1959 on the same day he divorced 1962 Riots occur in Detroit and other large Glenn Miller Popular bandleader and Two hundred fifty thousand people Debbie Reynolds. Taylor went to Italy in James Meredith, a black student, enrolls cities. composer of the ‘40s, known for hits attend the March on Washington, where 1962 to film the epic Cleopatra. at the University of Mississippi under The first black mayors of major U.S. such as “Moonlight Serenade.” protection of federal troops. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivers his cities are elected in Cleveland, Ohio, and Although Eddie Fisher was also in the “I Have a Dream” speech. Gary, Indiana. film, Taylor fell for her co-star Richard 1963 “Dick” Burton. Their affair made Four young black girls are killed in a 1965 1968 headlines worldwide. They married in church bombing in Birmingham, Riots erupt in Watts, a ghetto Martin Luther King, Jr. is assassinated. 1964, divorced in 1974, and remarried Alabama. neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Riots erupt across the country. the following year. Frankie Avalon and his “favorite Mouseketeer” Teen idol Frankie “Welcome to the ‘60s” Avalon’s “favorite Mouseketeer” Listen for these names from the ‘60s trendsetting style, particularly her “Wilt the Stilt” At 7'1", wasMickey Annette Mouse Club can catch. throughout Hairspray. See how many you bouffant hairdo and pillbox hats. Wilt “The Stilt” Funicello, who Chamberlain was became a star on the ‘50s TV series The “Hair Hopper” A Baltimore term for one of the NBA’s . They met in 1958 Connie Francis A top singer of the ‘50s someone, male or female, who spent too Party legendary players, and became a wildly popular couple, andBoys early Are ‘60s. She appeared in the much time on their outsized hairdos. setting numerous starring in ‘60s movies such as Beach classic Spring Break movie, Where the records during (1963) and Bikini Beach (1964). (1960). his 14-year The Gabor Sisters Glamorous Hungarian Chubby Checker Originally named Ernest professional Gidget Pint-size surfer Jackie Gleason Robust comedian best sisters Zsa Zsa, Magda, and Eva Gabor Evans, singer Chubby Checker created a basketball girl originally played by known for creating The Honeymooners became known in Hollywood for their dance sensation with his recording of career. Sandra Dee in Gidget television show in 1955. His trademark seductive, sophisticated, yet “The Twist” in 1960. (1959). Sequels slightly scatterbrained, Candid phrases included "And away we go," The Hindenburg The 800-foot blimp, includedHawaiian Gidget Goes Camera "Hommina hommina hommina," personalities. (1961) and Hindenburg, was the largest aircraft ever and Allen and "To the moon, Alice!" Mamie Eisenhower Wife flown. While landing at Lakehurst, New Gidget Goes to Rome Funt (1963). “Don’t tell me Khrushchev has his of President Dwight Jersey, on May 6, 1937, the ship was Allen Rock Hudson, Doris Day Starred together shoes off again” On November 17, “Ike” Eisenhower, she destroyed in a tragic fire when the Funt Jackie B. Kennedy in romantic comedies such as Pillow Talk 1956, millions of television was First Lady from hydrogen that filled the blimp ignited. was the First Lady Jacqueline (1959) and Lover Come Back (1961). viewers saw Soviet leader Nikita 1953 to 1961, known for (Modern blimps are filled with host of Candid Bouvier Kennedy, He was tall, good looking, and debonair, Camera Khrushchev pound the podium of the her trademark bangs and nonflammable helium.) , the first wife of John F. while she was known for her squeaky- United Nations General Assembly with fondness for pink clothing. hidden-camera Eva Marie Saint Beautiful blonde actress Kennedy, was clean “good girl” image. his shoe, shouting at the West, “We will stunt show, who starred in such films as Hitchcock’s known for her bury you!” which captured North by Northwest (1959). ■

14 15 15 N ON O SS SS E E L L 1 1 History History Discussion Writing

Discussion Objective From the Script Writing Objective From the Script Act 1, Scene 1 To explore various societal Act 1, Scene 8 To analyze how media attention can Edna and Tracy Turnblad both share a spirit for equality, fairness and friendship that is free of racial prejudice. In In this scene, the girls are watching a teen dance program on TV. Tracy and Penny are particularly struck by images of perspectives and how they influence its audiences, and the this scene, the younger generation boldly leads the older generation into a protest in order to make society fair and cool, young people, how they dress, how they appear, and how they are encouraged to look, illustrating the ways in have affected the course of resulting consequences from a just. which these icons are encouraged to appeal to the young TV audience. history. historical perspective. Edna: Velma: Tracy: Tracy: Turn that racket down. I’m trying to And we’re off! All right, people, Okay. So this is how we’re gonna do Ms. Motormouth, you and little Inez iron in here. how many times do I have to tell you it; tomorrow, everyone bring your will walk in first. Mama and me will — We do NOT touch ourselves — mothers . . . be right behind you. Teaching Tips Teaching Tips Corny: anywhere — while on camera. Tammy, ■ Do you believe that people from ■ Put the word "cool" on the board. SO, IF EVERY NIGHT YOU’RE SHAKING lose the padding. You, too, Fender. various groups and societies are Penny: Edna: AS YOU LIE IN BED (the kids sheepishly turn away to equal to each other and should … and sisters!. Excuse me? Note that the Corny Collins dancers remove their padding) be treated in equal ways? are termed "cool" on his show. Have AND THE BASS AND DRUMS And Link, stop hogging the camera; Tracy: Tracy: students write down all the words ARE POUNDING IN YOUR HEAD you’re not Elvis yet. Amber...Hog ■ Do you believe that people in … and meet around the corner from They’ll never be able to shove them the camera. related to the word. Then ask the different societies and cultures can the studio and make signs! back through the door with us WHO CARES ABOUT SLEEP be comfortable interacting with blocking it. following questions: WHEN YOU CAN SNOOZE IN SCHOOL Amber: one another? Or, on the other Penny: THEY’LL NEVER GET TO COLLEGE Yes, mother. hand, do you believe that there are Yes! And put words on them! ■ What is your perception of the BUT THEY SURE LOOK COOL some important differences to DON’T NEED A CAP AND A GOWN Velma: notice? If so, do those differences word "cool" today? Does it mean the ‘CAUSE THEY’RE THE And YOU, Mr. Collins! None of that affect our behavior? How? same today as it meant in the ‘50s NICEST KIDS IN TOWN Detroit sound today. You have Exercise THEY’RE THE ■ and ‘60s? If not, what word has something against Connie Francis? Do you believe that members of The struggle to achieve equity in race relations became a central issue for society in the 1960s. NICEST, NICEST different cultural groups can date, replaced it? Who would you consider The white population had very little information and experience with the topic, unlike today, where THEY’RE THE Corny: intermarry, have children, and to be a "cool" person? Think about a NICEST, NICEST communicate as effectively as society strongly supports equal rights. The kids are just over the moon for friend, someone in the media, family THEY’RE THE rhythm and blues, Velma. They can’t families with all members from the SUGAR AND SPICE-EST, NICEST same cultural background? Explain get enough. At first, have individuals in the class find subjects they feel strongly about and are willing to member whom you consider "cool." KIDS IN TOWN your feelings and beliefs. discuss. Pair up students with different beliefs and have them debate these opposing viewpoints. Why would you consider them "cool"? Velma: ■ What are the pros and cons Corny: They’re kids, Corny. That’s why we 1. Have your students read the Overture to History "I Know Where I’ve Been" (pages 11 and 12) experienced in a family where ■ Take a look at Connie Francis, who And that was our new dance of the have to steer them in the white in order to identify two or three events that they might be familiar with. Ask them to take a week — the “Stricken Chicken.” We’ll everyone is from the same cultural is mentioned in the above script direction...I mean...you know what I group? What about in families strong stance on one topic and a neutral stance on a second topic, covering as many dates and be right back. mean. made up of differing cultural events as possible. Then, have them pair up to discuss the different perspectives surrounding excerpt. Who would be considered (Lights shift in the TV studio.) groups? each topic. your Connie Francis today? What would make him or her "cool"? Whom Exercise crafted and dramatic scene. This person can circulate 2. In class, have your students discuss current events that they feel very strongly about. Some do some people consider "cool" that among the student writers and offer advice as they go examples might be a war or health care issues, such as drug prescription costs for the elderly. you do not? What images are Have your students imagine an equivalent of an through the process of writing their scenes.) American Bandstand, Soul Train, or Corny Collins Show Have all the issues written down on the blackboard and in each instance, have the class projected in the media today that you identify and explain those that they have strong opinions about and those that they are not as as it would be on TV today. Divide them into groups of Once the scenes have been written and presented in like? What images are projected in six, with each student becoming a character on the concerned with. class, discuss the similarities and differences among the media today that you do not like? show. The roles may include playing a producer like them. Then, explore the various purposes that the Velma, an announcer like Corny Collins, or the dancing producers may have had for their audiences. In each 3. For homework, have the students interview people aged 60 and over who remember the couples. Have each group write a short scene scene, look at the way in which the image of the events listed in the Overture to History covering 1946 to 1968. Ask the interviewees what their dramatizing each character motivation. For example, moderator or program host is projected and the ways in memories are of two or three events. Then, have the students discuss these interviews in small why has the producer chosen to create this show for which the dancers are projected. How do your students’ groups of three or four, after which they can share their findings with the full class. his/her audience? What are the dancers thinking during scenes, describing dance shows today, differ from or the show? resemble each other focusing on their proposed influence on a viewing audience? (Teachers may want to enlist a theater professional to consult with the class about the elements of a well-

16 17 ON SS E L

1 HISTORY to go History

Experiential NAME DATE 3. CLASS TEACHER HOURSAfter Experiential Objective From the Script To see how the lives of our Act 1, Scene 1 1. Refer to “Welcome to the ‘60s” Conflicting ideas concerning conformity and work ethic affected families back in the ‘50s and ‘60s just as they do today. What doYOU think? parents when they were and certainly not the most glamorous answer to life. In this excerpt, we see Tracy’s growing interest in cutting school, (pages 12 and 13) and search The teens inHairspray were beginning to think that hard work and staying in school were not necessarily the right answer, teenagers affect our decisions auditioning for Two of the notable names mentioned in Watch one of these shows (you may even for these items on the Internet. and our lives today. The Corny Collins Show and what it might mean for her family. “Welcome to the ’60s” (pages 12 and 13) are find the original Mickey Mouse Club still Look for graphics as well as FrankieClub Avalon and his “favorite Mouseketeer,” playing in reruns on the Disney Channel). other printouts. Prepare a five- Annette Funicello. The original Mickey Mouse Have you been a fan of one of these kinds of minute oral report on your Tracy: Edna: Tracy: Teaching Tips (which ran from 1955 to 1959) featured shows? What did you know about the cast research. Mother, you are so fifties. Being big enough is not the Thanks, Daddy. the Mouseketeers singing and dancing. Each members? Do you think what you see on the ■ Begin with a brainstorm on Even our first lady, Jackie problem, Wilbur. B. Kennedy, rats her hair. day had a different theme: “Fun with Music show reflects who the person really is? (For career options today, and Edna: Scrapbooks of teen idols were Wilbur: Tracy, come back up here. Day,” “Guest Star Day,” “Anything Can example, Tracy presents herself more or less as compare them to the career Corny Collins Show very much a part of the world Edna: When I was your age my I’ve got hampers of laundry Happen Day,” “Circus Day,” and “Talent she is, while Amber tries to project an image Yeah? Well, you ain’t no parents begged me to run and my diet pill is wearing for teenagers. To make this into choices of your parents. Are the Round-up Day.” Just as in Hairspray’s The much nicer than her actual personality.) first lady, are ya? She’s a away with the circus, but I off! a fun event, gather the options the same or different? hair hopper — that’s what said, “No. That’s what you , the cast members (most How do you think people on these shows graphics beforehand and create got her put in detention want. I have dreams of my Tracy: prominently Annette) had an enthusiastic fan are affected by fame? How long does it last? ■ Would you think about going again. own.” I dreamt of opening a But, Mama I want to be following. Does it change their life permanently or only your own scrapbook. Also, chain of joke shops (taking Wilbur aside) famous. when you present your report, into the same profession or worldwide. So, okay, I’ve The Mickey Mouse Club returned in temporarily? How do you think you would Wilbur, talk to her. Girls still only got one, but some 1977 as The New Mickey Mouse Club, and handle being on a television show that made dress up in what you think doing the same kind of work like Tracy...People like Edna: day, if I can figure out how Club that members of your family are us...You know what I’m You want to be famous? Learn again in 1989 as The All-New Mickey Mouse you famous? would be an outfit from 1962. to keep the air from leaking saying. They don’t put how to get blood out of car or MMC. This version of the show doing? Do you daydream about out of my sofa-sized Whoopee people like us on TV — upholstery. Now there’s a Cushion, I’m going to make a featured then-unknowns Britney Spears, your future or do you prefer to Except to be laughed at. skill you could take to the noise heard ‘round the Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake, and Keri live in the moment and let the bank. You think I wanted to world! spend my life washing and Russell in the cast. future take care of itself? If Wilbur: (Edna screams with delight!) (to Tracy) ironing other people’s RealThere World are many shows currently on the air you’re a daydreamer, do you You follow your dream, baby. unmentionables? No, I wanted This TV thing... You really I’m grabbin’ an Orange Crush that bring “instant celebrity” to the people dream of doing things within want it? to design them. I thought I and heading back down to the would be the biggest thing featured (American Idol, Star Search, even The your reach, or do you dream of Har-Dee-Har Hut. I’ve got my in brassieres. Well, you or Survivor), in the same way that Tracy: Show. dream...And I wuv it! deal with what life gives things that seem more difficult It’s my dream, daddy. Tracy becomes a star on The Corny Collins you. Now start folding. to achieve? How do you Edna: compare your dreams with those Wilbur: (laughing again) Tracy: Then you go for it. This is of your sisters, brothers, friends, You’re not helping, Wilbur! Ugh. America, babe. You gotta (Wilbur exits and Tracy and other peers? think big to be big. follows.) 2. EXPRESS yourself Exercise Ask yourself this question: What role does media play in my life? Then write a short but well- organized one-to-two page composition looking at different forms of media that have a strong Have the class discuss the role school plays in their future plans and expectations. Does school play a large part, or is impact on your life. Do you watch TV? What shows do you watch? Which ones have actors, it insignificant? Do the choices they make in school reflect their dreams? situations or story lines that you think about and find involving? How often do you go to the Next, ask the class to develop a survey exploring the attitude of people in their parents’ generation concerning school. movies? What kinds of movies do you tend to like? What is your favorite movie right now? What Possible survey topics can include what courses they took, how seriously they took these classes, how their culture and movie are you looking forward to seeing and why? What about the news? How affected are you by family ethnicity effected them, what their families thought of education, how their educational path may or may not the news? What news do you listen to or read? have changed as they grew older and/or the consequences of their education on their lives. Once the survey questions have been determined, each student should conduct the survey at home with friends or family members. In the Organize your composition according to the specific medium you’re talking about and decide following class period, the students should discuss the answers they have obtained in groups of three or four, and reach whether or not you think that medium is a large, mid-size, or small part of your life. a consensus about the meaning of education for their interviewees. Finally, have the entire class reconvene to compare the role of education for students both now and then.

18 19 Corey Reynolds (Seaweed J. Stubbs), Marissa Jaret Winokur (Tracy Turnblad), Kerry Butler (Penny Pingleton) Overture to Language Arts Matthew Morrison (Link Larkin)

“It Takes Two”

ook writer Mark needed to overcome obstacles, so we “They wouldn’t say klutz.” I didn’t know O’Donnell talks about deferred the love and the success. So we changed it to clod — exactly what B adapting Hairspray from the line ended up being the song would We simplified the plot, and we a screenplay into a musical. dropped or combined characters. For cut anyway. Originally, be — that’s instance, the character of Velma exists in when Tracy said, “I wish where Marc every day were Negro Day,” Corny’s and Scott StageNOTES: How did you begin the movie, but she has no power. She’s answer was, "I read you like the tabloids, kid.” And John came in. working on the script? just a pushy stage mom. I thought it would be much more effective to give the Waters said there were no tabloids in Baltimore. So we MARK O’ DONNELL: I started by villain power. changed it to “I read you like tomorrow’s headlines.” Collaboration can be writing a synopsis of the show- Which is probably better, since Tracy’s a visionary. maddening, but it’s never a blank slate — there’s to-be in the manner of the plot We also fleshed out other characters. At one point we had Tracy popping a lot of diet pills always input. We were lucky that we were a pretty descriptions on a cast album. Link and Seaweed are fun to look at in to explain why she’s so peppy, and John Waters thought friendly team.We could enjoy each others’ suggestions I put in parentheses where I the movie, but can you tell me anything Mark O’Donnell that was a little too “bad girl.” On the other hand, we without resenting them. thought a song would go. We about them as people? They simply exist. had some sentimental moments with Edna talking about kept some of the classic lines — “We’ll We tried to create interrelationships, so mother love and he said, “Well, it’s getting a little SN: How did you become interested in writing? Do you have claw our way to the top!” — but there’s Seaweed was key to Tracy’s success, Hallmark.” So he kept us from being too treacly on the any advice for aspiring writers? Summary of Standards for not too much dialogue from the which explained their friendship. one hand, and untrue to the character on the other. MO: LANGUAGE ARTS screenplay. We tried a version that had no Little Most of the playwrights I know were puppeteers as Inez and no Penny. Tracy was alone, she kids, they put on puppet shows.They did skits in high Writing We used John Waters’ story as a SN: How did you collaborate with the composer-lyricist school, played around with the tape recorder. Nowadays, ■ Demonstrates competence in the had no friends at all. I think it was an framework to start with, so we knew team, Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman? chances are you’re playing around with the video camera. general skills and strategies of the where it began and ended. And then we economical move — we thought, “We writing process can’t have fourteen principal characters!” MO: I had ideas for situations that could become songs. You know you’re a writer if you have a compulsion to record had to get characters saying interesting it, to write it down. Prewriting, drafting and revising, things — memorable, funny things. But it looked terribly cold when we saw In one instance, editing and publishing it, so we went back to what we had I suggested that I have a twin brother, who was David Letterman’s head I like incongruities. I was always ■ Demonstrates competence in the before. the three writer for many years. As kids we would act out little skits stylistic and rhetorical aspects of crazy about Oscar Wilde. You know, “A teenage girls be in school, until the teachers finally said, “You wanna do writing gentleman never hurts another’s feelings A cut we made both for economy and for emotional value is that all the in parallel something for the Christmas show?” So I guess I had an ■ Uses grammatical and unintentionally.” And although no one places, automatic vaudeville partner. mechanical conventions in written characters besides Tracy are fatherless. would call Hairspray Oscar Wilde, I did complaining to compositions Whatever you think of Tracy, she’s the Writing is a combination of imagination and try to write dialogue that seems to have their mothers ■ Gathers and uses information for only one with a father. That’s what gives observation. Whether you’re writing a story or drawing a incongruities: “What are you doing in this — it’s the old research purposes her some grounding, and makes her a cartoon or writing a play, it’s all storytelling. I always refer huge crowd of minorities?” That kind of “Get me outta Reading more optimistic person I think. to cartoons as the world’s shortest plays: They have thing. here!” song ■ Demonstrates competence in the Trim, trim, trim was the name of the characters, they have sets, they have dialogue, but it’s general skills and strategies of the (“Mama, I’m game always. If the show is to have a usually only one line. reading process SN: What sorts of changes did you need to a Big Girl magical spell, it has to be relentless. If you want to be a writer, you should find the world ■ Demonstrates competence in the Now”). And I make for the stage version? interesting. There are no writers who don’t look. You must general skills and strategies for suggested in MO: In the movie, Tracy gets on the show observe. Everything has to be fascinating. I keep a journal reading a variety of literary texts the second right away, she gets Link right away. She SN: Did John Waters make any where I write down weird stuff I overhear, or strange ■ Demonstrates competence in the Marissa Jaret Winokur (Tracy Turnblad) with members of the cast act that is a force of nature, and she is not to be suggestions? situations that might be interesting to explore — just general skills and strategies for when Tracy breaks out of jail, and Penny reading a variety of informational defied. But on stage, what do you do for snippets of funny dialogue. The world is an endless font of MO: He did, especially about language. breaks out of her home, that they have parallel love duets texts the next hour and a half? We felt she material. ■ I had used the word “klutz.” He said, that become a quartet (“Without Love”). Listening and Speaking ■ Demonstrates competence in speaking and listening as tools for learning

20 21 N N O SO SS S E E L 2 L 2 Language Arts Language Arts Discussion Writing

From the Discussion Objective Script Writing Objective From the Script Act 1, Scene 3 To learn techniques and Actbetween 1, Scene them. 4 Tracy is auditioning to be part of the Council. All of the conflicts she will be facing are presented here dramatically. To learn to gather information general strategies of the in order to enhance dramatic Tracy’s been put in detention again for wearing a “monumental hairdo.” When she gets there, she meets Seaweed, whose writing process for creating mother is the host ofThe Corny Collins Show’s monthly “Negro Day” broadcast. An immediate camaraderie is established Amber: Velma: Council Members: writing. dramatic texts. DO YOU DANCE LIKE YOU DRESS? FIRST IMPRESSIONS CAN BE TOUGH OOH’S AND WHEN I SAW YOU, I KNEW IT Principal: Tracy: Here’s a little Link: IF YOUR SIZE WEREN’T ENOUGH Teaching Tips Tracy Turnblad, once Excuse me, but why are something–something Teaching Tips GIRLS, THERE’S NO NEED TO BE THE LAST ANSWER JUST BLEW IT! again your monumental you always so happy? signified to say, ■ CRUEL! What sorts of characters do hair-don’t has seriously You get detention just "Hello, my name’s ■ Who do you know that is a AND SO, MY DEAR, SO SHORT AND you like in dramatic media? obstructed everyone’s about every time I do, Seaweed J. Stubbs, and really good storyteller? How Velma: STOUT Do you like characters who are view of the blackboard. and I’ve never seen you what’s yours." do they make those stories Would you swim in an integrated YOU’LL NEVER BE "IN" As Principal of complain. fair-minded, offhand, casual, Patterson Park High I Tracy: interesting? Do they use pool? (The music stops dead and the Velma and the Council Members: imperious, strident, goofy, silly, condemn you to three Seaweed: That’s unbelievable. interesting language? Do they COUNCIL gasps in shock) SO WE’RE KICKING YOU OUT! chaotic, or problematic? If you more days of detention! Oh but I do. This is my Can I do that? way of complaining. set up suspense at the were asked to create a Velma: (Lights up on TRACY in (SEAWEED turns on a Seaweed: beginning of their story? Do Tracy: I don’t know. Can you? WITH YOUR FORM AND YOUR FACE particular character, what sort detention. Around her small transistor radio. you have any techniques that I’m sure I would. I’m all for (TRACY & SEAWEED dance integration. It’s the New WELL, ISN’T YOUR FAULT of character would you choose? are SEAWEED, LORRAINE, MUSIC starts and he does together) work well for you when telling Frontier? YOU’RE JUST CAUGHT IN A CASE OF GILBERT, THAD, DUANE and a soulful little dance.) It’s how I use my blues. a story? Do you prefer a story "MISS… another student asleep at his desk. LORRAINE Tracy: that contains heavy conflict, a Velma: Duane: Hello. My name is Tracy Velma and the Council Members: is at the blackboard Not in Baltimore it isn’t. Use them blues, brother. Turnblad. lot of description, or action? BALTIMORE… writing repeatedly, "I will not talk in speech Use ’em to lose ’em. Tracy: Gilbert: class.") Um, where’s Corny? I’d love to Velma: Tracy: Not bad for a white dance for him. …CRABS!" Tracy: Hey, that move’s swift. girl. You’re free to go. Detention! Is there no Velma: pity for a teen just Seaweed: Seaweed: I’m the producer and may I be trying to fit in? The man can dine on a Ain’t no black and white frank? diet of detention so in here. Detention is a (Music back in, ominously Seaweed: long as he don’t starve rainbow experience. building, building) Maybe you oughtn’t try me of my tunes. (SEAWEED does another so hard? (another step) step) Exercise In the Language Arts Overture, “It Takes Two” (pages 18 to 19), Mark O’Donnell states that he was very Exercise careful to shape the movie into a piece that would hold its own dramatically on the stage. The first thing he The writing exercise will continue from the discussion exercise in the previous segment. After the discussion segment, did was heighten the initial obstacles or conflicts in the movie in order to have a drama that would play out students should be given a homework assignment which involves developing both a fact sheet and research materials during the entire show. For students to gain experience in using techniques to heighten the drama, have useful for writing their scenes. In their groups, the students will then select five characters to appear in their dramatic adaptation using their chosen human-interest article as a guide. Simultaneously, they should also clarify the them bring in human-interest stories that they find in the newspaper. responsibilities of each student, i.e. who will write the dialogue, who will play which role in the drama, etc.

At first, have three or four students read their stories aloud and discuss both the ways in which the conflicts The research component of this homework assignment will involve creating information based on both the original in these stories could be immediately established, as well as their possible outcome. Next have each student article and on information from other sources, i.e. the Internet. However, much of the final material should come from the writer’s imagination or memory of similar characters they’ve observed in life. The more research, observations, and circle and identify the conflict in their particular newspaper excerpt. After that, students can break up into factual material gathered, the better their writing will be. groups of four or five where they will read and evaluate each piece, choosing the one most capable of becoming the strongest drama. The students can talk about ways in which they might write out a dramatic Once this research has been gathered and particular roles have been assigned to each student, the group should write scene, focusing on possible characters, storylines and their final outcomes. The actual writing of this piece scenes in which characters are fleshed out and are made up to interact in ways that dramatize these stories. The scenes can be a flash forward or flash back sequence. What leads up to the characters’ conflict? What happens after can happen in the Language Arts Writing Lesson, here the students will combine the facts in the articles with the conflict? their own dramatic license in order to embellish and heighten the drama.

22 23 ON SS E L LANGUAGE ARTS 2 to go Language Arts Experiential NAME DATE 3. CLASS TEACHER HOURSAfter Experiential Objective From the Script There are many characters that you To demonstrate collaboration Act 1, Scene 6 1. What doYOU have developed from the human skills in speaking and listening Tracy Turnblad is a dynamic young woman and not about to stand for anyone putting her down. With integrity and think? optimism, she forges ahead in spite of the criticism she receives of her mission to integrate Baltimore and on her interest stories. In part, you have while working on a group Mark O’Donnell, who wrote the book for Hairspray, talks about the combination of weight. also developed them visually both project. imagination and observation as something always present for writers. The class has in your imagination and in terms of Corny: Edna: absolutely nothing else. experienced that by writing characters created from a combination of fact and imagination. Yeah! And that was our She can’t hear you. (ALL applaud and cheer) costume elements. Now, find Teaching Tips dance of the week – (The phone rings and SHE But someday I hope to be photos and portraits in magazines “Peyton Place After answers it.) the first woman For an interesting after-school activity, take some time to observe people on the bus, the of people resembling the characters ■ Do you tend to be the Midnight,” – introduced Hello?... Yes. This president of the world subway, in the streets, at home, etc. Carry a small pad and when you see people who catch created in class. Some people in person in a group who has lots to you by our brand new is...her childhood home. or a Rockette. You’ve your interest, jot down some notes about their appearance, the way they carry themselves, got to think big to be the class who are particularly fond of ideas? Do you tend to be Council member, Miss No, I’m not her father. Tracy Turnblad. (Back to the show...) big! their vocal qualities, how they speak to other people and what it is that has attracted you to of drawing can contribute sketches the person in a group who is them. Then write a short description of four or five people whom you have selected from the or cartoons of these characters to very good at listening and Edna: So let’s wave a wistful Corny: hundreds you’ve seen to be the subject of a thumbnail sketch. add to the picture collection. Bring understanding what other Oh, my word! Tracy! bye-bye to Brenda — see And if you were you next year. president, what would these pictures to class, and in people have said? Do you tend Live in our own living room! your first official act groups of eight, determine the ones to be someone with ideas that Council Members: be? that best represent the characters. you find difficult to share Wilbur: (waving to BRENDA as SHE Put those selected photos or Tracy: and/or express? Do you find it I think I’ve seen her exits) drawings up on the blackboard and here before. Awww... I’d make every day Negro exciting to be in meetings Day! see if the other groups in the class where collaboration is ongoing? Penny: Corny: can identify the characters Are there kinds of personalities And she’s going to be a ...and inaugurate the Velma & Spritzer: represented by these visual images. newest member of our Aaaaiiiieeeee!!!!! 2. in the group dynamic that regular. EXPRESS yourself Council, Tracy Turnblad! (SPRITZER runs off in make it easier or more difficult Edna: Cozy up to old Corny and horror, VELMA follows.) for you to express yourself? Imagine, my little girl, tell us about yourself, You have just experienced working with a number of people in a collaborative process. How regular at last. Trrrrace. was that experience for you? What role were you able to play? Was it something you volunteered for, or was it assigned to you? Were you happy in that role? Did you find that Tracy: Penny: you worked well with people and vice versa? Did it start out as a positive collaboration or Well, I go to Patterson Hi, Tracy. It’s me, did you have to learn how to make it positive as the work progressed? On the other hand, Penny! Park High, I watch your show, and I do did you find a successful working situation impossible?

Set aside some time to do a free association journal entry which begins with the open- piece. Note that two full class periods will be ended sentence “The role I was able to play in putting on the class presentation of human Exercise required to have a productive rehearsal and a interest stories was…” Next, finish that sentence and for five minutes simply write about The exercise for the Experiential Language Arts rewarding presentation. your experience and why it was interesting, productive, not productive, etc. Lesson segment is to present each human interest story scene as part of a unified dramatic piece. Once again, the teacher might bring in a theater Bring your journal entry into class and share and discuss it with a partner. First, the class as a whole should brainstorm a professional or someone on staff with experience in structure that brings the scenes together. After this putting together collaborative production to work structure has been agreed upon, students can be with students while they go through this process. assigned particular tasks. For example, some students can write transitional material as well as make changes in the present scenes to accommodate the new format. Others can direct the scenes, stage manage, manage and determine the props, design sets and costumes and/or act in the Copyright 2003, Camp Broadway 24 25 ON SS E Overture to Behavioral Studies L 3 Behavioral Studies Discussion “Big, Blonde & Beautiful” Marissa Jaret Winokur, the original Tracy Turnblad, talks about confidence, body image, Discussion Objective From the Script and self-acceptance. Act 1, Scene 6 they find every other word there is. It’s like nobody can talk about it, or even say it out To analyze change due to Prior to this scene, several elements have already conspired to begin a cultural revolution, which is reflected in Tracy’s succ loud. Why is that? conflict, cooperation, and Hefty. Plus-sized. Dimple-kneed. both romantically and on TV. In this scene, the antagonists try to resist these changes. interdependence among There are studies around that sayHairspray girls who. They are neverfive years want old to alreadyuse the haveword a“fat” bad soself- Those are all from articles about Spritzer: Velma: image. They feel bad when they look in the mirror, and they’re five years old. That is individuals, groups, and institutions. Mrs. Von Tussle, Negro Day everyday? Why not? They do it all the time on really crazy! That chubby Communist girl and kissing Lassie! Look at this — I still have my report card from kindergarten. It says “Marissa needs on the mouth with possibly parted lips... I assure you, controversy is to learn to control and lower her voice.” Well, I guess I didn’t really pay attention to Teaching Tips Corny: not what Ultra Clutch wishes to Mr. Spritzer, to keep your audience,ess that. I know they probably meant well — “girls should be quiet and polite” — but ■ Do you belong to a social, promote. you got to keep up with the times. through your whole life there are people who want to tell you what you should do and sports, church, or any other Corny: who you should be. I don’t think you should always listen to them. Velma: particular group? Would you Negroes and chubby girls buy This show’s fine the way it is. I’ve been lucky, I guess. I always had a lot of self-confidence — that’s what got say these groups are filled hairspray, too, Mr. Spritzer...... me into performing. And most of the time nobody gave me too much trouble with conflict or cooperation? about my size. I’m short — just five feet tall — and I’m not a skinny little stick. But I Spritzer: YOU CAN’T SAY I’M A BIGOT What might some conflicts in had a lot of friends, I was a cheerleader, I was in shows at school. I just ignored anyone Mrs. Von Tussle, how do you plan to BUT IT JUST ISN’T TRUE a particular group be? Why handle this? LOOK, I LOVE SAMMY DAVIS who said I shouldn’t do those things, I guess. and how do behaviors in AND HE’S BLACK AND A JEW! Of course I would love to lose 10 pounds. I would never lie and say I don’t think groups tend to shift? How Velma: about it, but I don’t think about it every day. I love my body. I don’t like wearing clothes I plan to start by firing him! BUT THEY BETTER GET SET much of this has to do with Corny Collins Show. that hide or cover it. I love wearing costumes that show it off. FOR A FULL OUT ASSAULT attitudes? How and why might Corny: THEY SHOULD NEVER HAVE BOILED Whenever I would go out and audition for parts, I always decided I wouldn’t take the attitudes tend to change in You can’t fire Corny Collins from The MISS BALTIMORE CRABS “poor fat girl” roles. That’s not who I am. When I heard they were doing a musical of (End of song. End of Scene Six.) some groups?

Discuss those two lines of dialogue with the class, ■ Do you presently belong to Exercise asking them to interpret what those two lines mean Hairspray I thought, yeah, that’s for me. a group that you wish would whenI theyknow do that it in some high peopleschools, see there my weightwill finally first, be but a partI don’t for think“the fatof Tracygirl and as thea role drag Have your students look at samples of to them. Ask the class whether that discussion model for all the heavy girls out there — she’s more than that. She’s an individual. She make a shift in behavior and queen.” It’s cool to be part of something like this, a show that really says something. advertisements either from magazines or from TV about advertising and targeted audiences applies to doesn’t fit the mold. This show says that you can be whoever you really are, and not only attitude? How might those shows. Have them discuss the images and what they our world today. Have the discussion continue by Summary of Standards for that,Playing you can Tracy win. — well, it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life just shifts be accomplished? mean to them. compiling a list of targeted audiences that the because of all the energy it takes, but it’s also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’m doing BEHAVIORAL STUDIES students can observe and can identify either in my bestJohn to Watersenjoy it always — and likes trying to notsay tothat lose what too he much loves weight. most aboutHairspray is that After having this discussion, focus the lesson on the magazines, TV, the subway, or movies today. ■ Understands that group and cultural influences contribute to issues surrounding targeting audiences for the Furthermore, have them sort advertisements that human development, identity, and purpose of selling products. Ask your students why they have observed in terms of targeting audiences. behavior advertisers target audiences, as well as the consequences, benefits, and challenges of targeting. In addition to this discussion, encourage students to ■ Understands various meanings of social group, general implications brainstorm new advertisements that focus on of group membership, and Next, have them look at the script where Mr. particular targeted audiences, i.e. the elderly, young different ways that groups Spritzer, the advertiser on The Corny Collins Show, children, Hispanic, Asian, Caucasian, middle-class function begins the excerpt above with the following audiences, geographical locations, etc. After ■ Understands that interactions statement: brainstorming and discussing the nature of various among learning, inheritance and targeted audiences, have students create physical development affect “That chubby Communist girl and kissing on the advertisements for a select audience. Collect the human behavior mouth with possibly parted lips… I assure you, work, and for the next class period, read and discuss ■ Understands conflict, cooperation, controversy is not what Ultra Clutch wishes to the most successful among them. These students and interdependence among promote.” In response, Corny Collins says, “Negroes can get extra credit for strong brainstorming ideas individuals, groups, and and chubby girls buy hairspray, too, Mr. Spritzer.” and creative writing. institutions

26 27 ON ON SS SS E E L 3 L 3 Behavioral Studies Behavioral Studies Writing Experiential

Writing Objective From the Script Experiential Objective From the Script To examine ways in which Act 1, Scene 7 To examine ways in which Act 1, Scene 8 Tracy, a new teen idol, has her phone ringing off the hook. Her mother, Edna, is also celebrated as the popular The Turnblads, Motormouth Maybelle’s family, and all the people who have been marginalized become idols of teen cultural influences affect self- one’s inheritance or cultural mother of her popular daughter. Both Tracy and Edna quickly adapt to their newly forming "glam" images and culture. With confidence, strength of character, and enthusiasm, they accept and relish their new positions. esteem, identity and behavior. status becomes threatened roles in the popular culture. However, the group that has been overshadowed by Tracy and Seaweed’s success takes a spiteful revenge as when a competing and expressed in this upcoming scene. All: Judine: emerging cultural group Teaching Tips YOUR MAMA’S WELCOMING THE SIXTIES DONCHA LET NOBODY TRY TO STEAL YOUR FUN Amber: Tracy: Amber: OH OH OH OH OH OH OH OH ’CAUSE A LITTLE TOUCH OF LIPSTICK NEVER overtakes that privileged Well, well, well, Tracy You throw like a girl! Says you! Eat dodge ■ Do you like to be part of YOUR MAMA’S WELCOMING THE SIXTIES HURT NO ONE position. Tugboat, you finally ball, Trampy Ton-o- groups that are just like you? OH OH OH OH OH OH OH found a title you could Seaweed: lard! GO MAMA, GO, GO, GO! Kamilah: win: Miss Special Ed! Hey, no fair throwing (SHE viciously snaps Do you like to be part of (FANS besiege TRACY for photos and THE FUTURE’S GOT A MILLION ROADS FOR YOU at the head. the ball right into autographs.) groups that are different from TO CHOOSE Teaching Tips Link: TRACY’s head. TRACY BUT YOU’LL WALK A LITTLE TALLER IN SOME ■ Knock it off, Amber Gym Teacher: crumples to the ground, you? Dynamites: HIGH-HEEL SHOES What do you think a fair That’s right, go for knocked out. A whistle WELCOME TO THE RHYTHM OF A BRAND NEW DAY society would look like? Do Tracy: his nuts! blows.) ■ Think of how you have or Shayna: you think it’s possible for Amber Von Tussle, you (the ball barely misses Tracy: AND ONCE YOU FIND THE STYLE THAT MAKES YOU have acne of the soul. his head) Gym Teacher: have not adjusted to groups TAKE YOUR OLD-FASHIONED FEARS FEEL LIKE YOU’RE groups to treat each other Game over. that are different. SOMETHING FRESH AND NEW with fairness? Gym Teacher: Link: (school bell rings) Dynamites: Students…Commence! Everybody take it easy. Class dismissed! All AND JUST THROW THEM AWAY Dynamites: ■ (And with a shrill This isn’t World War right girls, who wants ■ How do you think you'd STEP ON OUT Do you feel like you are whistle the game Three. to take a shower? HEAR US SHOUT react to stardom? Has Tracy Mr. Pinky’s Staff: part of a group that is mostly begins. AMBER gets the (AMBER gets the ball Extra credit! YOU SHOULD ADD SOME COLOR AND A FRESH NEW ball and throws it at away from LINK and (the GIRLS and GYM had to make big changes to Tracy & Dynamites: privileged, not privileged, or “DO” TRACY.) takes dead aim at TEACHER exit) her personality in order to fit MAMA, THAT’S YOUR CUE!!! pretty much in a neutral TRACY’S head.) Dynamites: YEAH, YEAH, YEAH into a group? Might she find position? How do you identify Amber: ’CAUSE IT’S TIME FOR A STAR (EDNA emerges from the shop looking Hey, thunder thighs, resplendent.) learning new things among WHO LOOKS JUST LIKE YOU! yourself within this group? dodge this! people who function differently from her a negative identifying these two situations, have them ■ Have your students write or positive experience? Exercise choose one situation for a well-developed one- to about their thoughts on these Exercise Have your students brainstorm the effects of two-page composition that they will also begin in questions for a continuous social acceptance on personality. Have them class. In the first paragraph have them describe It’s hard to imagine what it feels like to be in either a high or low-status group, unless you have explore its influence on how we dress, speak, and define the cultural situation that they have fifteen-minute period. Next experienced it first hand. The following is an in-class exercise that can provide this experience. walk, eat, and generally conduct our lives. Go chosen to represent concluding that paragraph have them decide if they Over the next two days, have your students choose a privileged group based on gender. For over possible scenarios that focus on issues of with a statement about whether or not that would like to share their example, one day, females will comprise the high-status group. They will be called upon first when social acceptance and personal confidence. situation made them personally comfortable. In thoughts, first with a partner the next paragraph, have the students describe students raise their hands to volunteer answers. They will receive praise for their answers and in When preparing for this assignment, remind themselves in reference to that specific cultural and then with the class. general these will be subjects of attention. The other students will mostly be ignored except for students of the relationship between social situation so that we can see who they are and points of criticism. The class can come up with tasks that the male students will perform for the acceptance and confidence. We have all been in how they affected and were affected by that others, such as sharpening pencils upon request, carrying books to class, opening doors, etc. On situations where a cultural environment has situation. In the final paragraph, have them conflicted with our personalities. We’ve also describe an incident that is indicative of how the second day, switch the status of these gender groups and repeat this exercise. Finally, let the probably all experienced situations where the well they did or did not function in that social class decide if they, in fact, want to continue with the status experiment or alternatively discuss cultural environment supports and accepts our situation. Ultimately, they will be writing a ways in which status distinctions can be eliminated and groups can be equalized. To finalize this personalities. In a short in-class writing exercise, composition about a comfortable or an experiment, have students determine the nature of privilege in a group. have students recall their experiences with these uncomfortable social situation that they can two contrasting situations. (“Cultural recall and find interesting to write about. environment” can refer not only to ethnic culture An alternative role-playing exercise may involve students acting out stories based upon newspaper but also to pop trends like hip-hop culture. Have Option: Students can bring their essays in to a headlines that suggest status relationships. In these improvisations, students can be stopped and students discuss how they define a “culture.”) second class where they will exchange their work asked to reflect upon their roles of privilege or the lack thereof. Students can then switch roles with another student and edit each other’s After they have done a short written piece assignment. and replay these improvisations.

28 29 BEHAVIORAL STUDIES Overture to to go Life Skills Summary of Standards for LIFE SKILLS NAME DATE 3. Thinking and Reasoning ■ Understands and applies the “You Can’t Stop the Beat” CLASS TEACHER After basic principles of presenting an HOURS argument conversation with Marc Shaiman and MS: When we saw it there on paper, we ■ Understands and applies basic Scott Wittman, composer and co- thought, “Hm, that’s a great phrase.” 1. In the interview with Marissa principles of logic and reasoning A lyricists of Hairspray. What doYOU think? Jaret Winokur, we see how she ■ Effectively uses mental processes SW: “Run and Tell That” came out of there as feels being a “hefty,” high- that are based in identifying StageNOTES: How do you work together when well. We make lists of the words that pop out Marissa Jaret Winokur plays Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray. There is an interview with her in the spirited and “dimple-kneed” girl. similarities and differences you write? at us, until we find the title or the hook. (compares, contrasts, classifies) Overture to Behavioral Studies: “Big, Blonde & Beautiful” (page 24). Using information from Compose a two-paragraph letter this interview, pretend that you and she are close friends, and that you are being interviewed to Marissa about how you feel ■ Understands and applies basic MARC SHAIMAN: I beg Scott to SN: Were you inspired by particular ‘60s about her by a journalist for a celebrity magazine. Describe your friendship, how long you’ve principles of hypothesis testing come into the room with the songs? seeing a young woman on stage and scientific inquiry known her, experiences you’ve shared with her, your opinion of her character, etc. Most with such a positive self-image. piano. We think of the idea for a ■ Applies basic trouble-shooting song, and I’ll just sit at the MS: For every song in the score, I could tell importantly, imagine how she has felt playing the role of an outsider and whether that has been Bring your letter to class and be and problem-solving techniques piano and sort of … “Play, you two songs that were the inspiration for difficult or rewarding for her identity. Write down the interviewer’s questions and your answers. prepared to read it to your ■ Applies decision-making monkey, play!” (laughs) the musical groove. “You Can’t Stop the Share your writing in class, where you and your classmates can observe the varying opinions classmates, who will also read techniques Beat” is inspired by “River Deep, Mountain people have of the actress, and the ways in which playing the role of an outsider has affected their letters to you. her identity. Working With Others SCOTT WITTMAN: Everything’s High.” There’s also a connection with “The ■ Contributes to the overall effort of done at the piano. We don’t sit Beat Goes On,” which meant “life goes on.” a group in separate rooms and write. We It sort of means the same thing here, but it’s ■ Uses conflict-resolution Marc Shaiman sit at the piano and figure out both figuratively and literally about “the techniques what the scene calls for and beat.” “Good Morning, Baltimore” certainly ■ Works well with diverse individuals what the character wants. has the sound of “Be My Baby.” “Heat 2. and in diverse situations Wave” has the basic groove for “Welcome to EXPRESS yourself ■ Displays effective interpersonal MS: I start playing music — it the Sixties.” communication skills comes pretty simply for me — “Without Love” was inspired by “Your Would you like to see more social integration on TV? Would you like to see couples from ■ Demonstrates leadership skills and then we start carving away Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher” and “You’re different races and ethnic backgrounds as boyfriends and girlfriends, friends, lovers, and from the top. And as the lyrics All I Need to Get By.” I cheated a little there marriage partners on TV and in life? Why or why not? Write out your thoughts, using Self-Regulation ■ Sets and manages goals start forming I amend the and went a little further into the ‘60s than specific examples to explain your opinions. Your teacher will compile an anonymous survey ■ Performs self-appraisal melody or chords. the time period of Hairspray. My idea — from the class so that you may compare your responses with others. and my excuse (laughs) — was that the kids ■ Considers risks SN: What kind of research did are thinking ahead. The first time we wrote ■ Demonstrates perseverance Scott Wittman you do for Hairspray? the song “Without Love,” Seaweed started it, ■ Maintains a healthy self-concept and we had the book writers give him lines ■ Restrains impulsivity MS: Both as procrastination and into the song that said, “Somewhere out Life Work as a very valuable tool, we’ll go off and buy there there’s a new world, new rhythms, new ■ Makes effective use of basic tools every possible reference book on the subject. sounds.” ■ Uses various information sources, including those of a technical SW: Lots of research books. I also bought SN: What song was the most difficult for you nature, to accomplish specific Seventeen magazines of the period on eBay. to write? tasks ■ Manages money effectively MS: We found a great book called Black Talk, MS: Velma’s song kept changing and changing. ■ Pursues specific jobs a fantastic book about the last century of black slang. We actually have a lot of books ■ Makes general preparation for SW: After Tracy sang “I Can Hear the Bells,” entering the work force on slang, but none that were so particular to the black community. the audience was so enamored of her they ■ Makes effective use of basic life didn’t want anyone onstage calling her fat or skills SW: “The blacker the berry, the sweeter the ugly. ■ Displays reliability and a basic juice” was in there. work ethic continued on next page ■ Operates effectively within organizations Copyright 2003, Camp Broadway Copyright 2003, Camp Broadway

30 31 ON SS E L 4 Life Skills MS: But in the story we had to wanted me to pay them (laughs). One MS: Writing music for movies is very immediately have her rejected because week you’d be doing props, one week thrilling — you get a hundred-piece Discussion of the way she looks, and her you’d be on the stage crew, one week orchestra playing your music. Movies you’d be a dresser. I learned a lot from principles. are just so huge. When you work on Discussion Objective From the Script watching those actors — how to put a something, and you know that Act 1, Scene 8 SW: We wrote a song called “No One show on in a week. I did anything I everyone in the country or the world To observe collaborative In this scene, Tracy and Penny meet Seaweed and his mother, Motormouth Maybelle on their turf in an "Afro-Fantastic" could to be around theater. techniques displaying On My TV Show Will Ever Look Like knows about it, it’s almost surreal. But scene. Tracy has bounced back from the assault by Amber in the gym and she is in the company of her allies. Link has That,” and the audience wasn’t nothing can compare to human beings effective interpersonal joined them in friendship, but he still isn’t bold enough to protest against the prejudice that his new friends face MS: I left high school with a G.E.D. I having it. singing songs that you’ve written, and communication skills. everyday. Tracy learns a life lesson about the generous nature of love and the need to believe that good can overcome moved to New York less than a year singing them so well. It’s amazing to bad choices. MS: The audience hated Tracy being so later, and just had a fairy-tale entrance see everything fall together the way it poked fun of, even though it was by into the business. I met the people I did on Hairspray — the sets, Edna: Link: Teaching Tips Oooooooohhhhh!!!!! Tracy, that was you! I like these people. But whether or not the villain and you obviously hate her dreamed about ■ Who is the funniest person (calling out the door) they’re on TV won’t get me a recording for saying those things. Then we tried meeting, and I Wilbur! It was the kids I saw. contract. you know? What makes them (realizes that sounds too shallow) another song with the same melody, started working funny? Are they reacting to Tracy: That comes out all wrong. I’ve been singing called “I Prefer the Status Quo,” right away. It’s Mama, what are you doing here? and dancing and smiling on that show for the people in conflict around three years waiting for it to lead to my which was a more veiled way for Velma always tough when Edna: break... to reject Tracy — to speak in a bigoted people ask how to them? Can you recall a I had a sudden craving for chicken and I’m not gonna throw it away. C’mon, I’m way without being found out. But do what I’ve been situation in which a funny waffles, so we drove up to Ruby’s Take-Out leaving and you gotta too. across the street. Hello everyone. I’m (He starts toward the door.) finally we realized that we needed to lucky enough to do. person has lightened the Tracy’s mom. write something funny. There’s no way to energy in the room? Tracy: Velma: No! I want to do this, and so should you. re-create what (taking in EDNA) It’s what’s right. Stay, Link. Please stay. SW: “Miss Baltimore Crabs” gave her a happened with me. Oh! So, you’re what spawned that! Link: showier, “Disney villainess” – style All I can say is, you Edna: Sorry...See ya, little darlin’. (He exits.) number. have to be out there Excuse me? doing it. Have Tracy: Velma: Oh mama...how could I think Link Larkin MS: Even with that song, we had to cut courage and self I guess you two are living proof that the would ever care about someone like me? it down to the bare minimum. We just confidence — you watermelon doesn’t fall very far from the vine. Edna: needed to make the point that Tracy’s can’t do much if ...It’s just Eddie Fisher all over not getting on the show, and that the you don’t have that. Edna: again...boys are not the brightest things. Give him time. I’m sure he’ll figure out villain is lost in her illusions. But, there’s not Tracy, be a dear and hold mommy’s waffles. (EDNA takes a threatening step he’s crazy about you. a day that goes by toward VELMA as WILBUR enters.) SN: Were you interested in theater that I don’t wish when you were in high school? that I had a college ..... education in music, us, once a fair amount of time has witty remark, we as an audience SW: I grew up in Nanuet, New York. I and had a chance Exercise passed. side with her, enjoying her victory was in every musical and in every play to further my In Hairspray, many of the characters over her petty opponents. In the above scene, observe the use — I think we did three a year. But musical knowledge. Top left: Laura Bell Bundy (Amber Von Tussle) and Linda Hart (Velma Von Tussle) use humor as a way of coping with of different kinds of comedic lines: Motormouth, Edna, Tracy and even if I didn’t get a part in the show, I’ve had to learn (right) with members of the cast. problems. For example, Edna makes jokes to take away the sting Seaweed all respond to racism and I would be on the stage crew — things by the skin ■ of Amber and Velma’s insults in the Insult: “The watermelon doesn’t insults with wit. Ask the students anything to be involved. This is of my teeth, and I can’t imagine costumes, direction, choreography. record shop scene. When we go fall very far from the vine.” to discuss how they handle similar ■ terrible, but I cut school every anything more glorious than being And then for it to be such a hit, to through painful moments, finding Understatement: “Tracy, be a dear situations: is it possible to respond Wednesday and I’d go into the city and spoon fed the rules of orchestration, make an audience so joyous every the funny side of the situation often and hold mommy’s waffles.” to racism with kindness and humor? buy standing room tickets to shows. I and the history of it all. I wish I’d had night — that’s truly unspeakably helps us get through it. What is the effect of each? Velma’s For homework, ask the students to just saw as much as I could. All that. satisfying, there are just no words to In class, have students brainstorm mean-spiritedness is made evident find the comedic potential in their through high school in the summer I describe that satisfaction. ■ what makes a situation funny. For through her insults. Edna, by everyday lives. What situations are older students, you might begin by would apprentice in summer stock, for SN: Can you compare writing music for contrast, shows the most restraint, funny? Are they funny initially or examining the aphorisms “Comedy no money. I think at one point they movies to writing a Broadway musical? and gets the biggest laughs. She only in retrospect? is tragedy plus time” and “Comedy says the least, but at the same time comes from pain.” Often the reveals to us that she is smarter funniest personal stories come from than the others. When we see Edna the awful things that happened to respond to a vicious attack with a

32 33 N N O SO SS S E E L 4 L 4 Life Skills Life Skills Writing Experiential

Writing Objective From the Script Experiential Objective From the Script To analyze the interactions of Act 2, Scene 1 To illustrate techniques that Act 2, Scene 1 There has been a raucous demonstration to integrate The Corny Collins Show. The efforts to open images of black and diverse individuals within enable individuals to develop Tracy’sself-confidence dad mortgages at this hispotentially Har-De-Har lonely Hut time. Joke Shop and brings enough bail money to release everybody from jail. white teens dancing together get proponents and opponents alike thrown in jail together, and a new character, the similar situations. a strong self-image. However, a court order detains Tracy in solitary confinement. Her family and friends reaffirm their love and support for matron of the prison, is introduced to heighten the intensity of an already thickening plot. her, even though they’re forced to leave her behind. Consequently, Tracy still has a very positive sense of herself to keep her spirits high. The writers and composers ofHairspray give Tracy a moment that allows the character to express her (The FEMALE CAST, with the exception Amber: Teaching Tips of PRUDY, are in jail! A MATRON IS THERE ANYBODY HERE WHO CAN DRY Teaching Tips ■ stands watch over them.) CLEAN MY BLOUSE? How good are you at ■ Can you think of a time observing differences among Women: Matron: when you were an absolutely Tracy: people? Do you play an active I GOTTA GET OUT, IT’S THE MAID’S DAY OFF happy person? Did it ever OH, OH, OH I’M ALL ALONE or passive role when there are I GOTTA GET OUT, make you want to get up and I GOTTA GET OUT, All: MY HEART HAS GROWN BUT IT’S BROKEN, TOO. differences among people in sing? Do you know anyone in HOW’D I GET IN THIS SLAMMER IN THE BIG DOLLHOUSE your company? THIS COOLER, your family and/or among your THIS MORNING LIFE WAS A BALTIMORE FAIRY TALE THIS BIG DOLLHOUSE! Little Inez: friends who prefer to use song ■ NOW I CAN’T MAKE BAIL! Does diversity among LADY JUSTICE WHERE HAVE YOU GONE? to express emotion? Matron: people create a good, MY MOTHER’S IN SHOCK Alright, ladies, welcome to the big Edna: challenging, or uncomfortable dollhouse! For those of youse new to ■ What is there about singing MY FATHER’S IN HOCK OOH, WILBUR, CHECK, I THINK I LEFT THE I MUCH PREFER LINK’S ARMS atmosphere for you? the penal system I’m letting you know IRON ON! a song that is more inspiring now that I don’t stand for boozing, TO JAILHOUSE CELLS that speaking words? What is ■ doping, cussing, gambling, fighting, Velma: Think of four people that or any other sort of unladylike it about music that attracts SO LINK, PLEASE DID YOU SEE CORNY LAUGHING? you know through the process behavior. Think of me as a mother…who RESCUE ME NOW I COULD MURDER THAT LOUSE! you? What is your favorite all eats her young. ’CAUSE I LOVE YOU of free association. Are you time most inspiring song? AND THIS PRISON SMELLS. able to distinguish the All: Velma: LINK, HEAR THE BELLS! HONEY, THAT’LL GETCHA LIFE differences and similarities LOCKED UP WITH ALL THESE LOWLIFE WOMEN IN THE BIG DOLLHOUSE among them? If so, what AND GET READY BALTIMORE BIG HOUSE! THERE’S A BRIGHT, BRAND-NEW DAY IN STORE Edna: might they be? LET ME OUT SO THIS DREAM’S UNFURLED AND HORIZONTAL STRIPES I’LL EAT SOME BREAKFAST, AIN’T EXACTLY SLIMMIN’ THEN CHANGE THE WORLD!

AND I PROMISE BALTIMORE ONCE I CHA-CHA RIGHT OUT OF THAT DOOR Exercise THE WORLD’S GONNA WAKE UP AND SEE Have students choose three to five contrasting personalities among people that they know, have met, or LINK’S IN LOVE WITH ME! have heard about. For no more than fifteen minutes, have the class write a thumbnail sketch of each of these people. Next give them thirty-five minutes to write a scene in which their characters have been thrown into jail and are forced to interact with each other. Exercise There are times when we want a private moment in order to express confidence, and/or bravado about With a partner, students can then exchange scenes and read them aloud together, acting our ability to overcome obstacles. While this is not necessarily easy to express in dialogue, this strong out/interpreting each role as they see fit. Have the characters been portrayed successfully? What are level of emotion can sometimes be conveyed through song. the strengths and weaknesses of the scenes? Using feedback from their writing partner, students should rewrite their scenes, sharpening their characters and their dramatic interactions. Have students identify songs they are familiar with which express the same high self-esteem they find in the script excerpt above. Their assignment for tomorrow is to bring in the song lyrics and explain Finally, have students volunteer to read their rewritten scenes to the class. Are the character portraits their selection to the class. They can additionally teach the class to sing the song if they choose. successful? Discuss.

34 35 LIFE SKILLS to go Overture toThe Arts

NAME DATE 3. “TheBuddy Deane Nicest Show Kids in Town” CLASS TEACHER After HOURS The Buddy Deane Show

Like Tracy Turnblad, young John Waters would race home after school to watch The Have you ever thought about Summary of Standards for , the inspiration for Hairspray’s Corny Collins Show. Almost every 1. THE ARTS What doYOU think? making a movie? Imagine that you large city had its own dance-party show, which featured local teenagers doing the latest were given all the money you Art Connections dances to pop hits. ■ Understands connections among the various What is a good environment for you to brainstorm ideas and think creatively? Do you find it could ever ask for in order to art forms and other disciplines The most well-known was American Bandstand, which was first broadcast in Philadelphia make a movie. You will be the valuable to gather research before you begin the brainstorming process? In order to explore Music in 1952. When it began airing nationally in August 1957, it became an instant hit. ways in which you brainstorm, look at the following list of general topics and pick one that director of that movie. Choose ■ Sings, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music The dancers featured on the show were regular Philadelphia high school students. Soon appeals to you. Spend at least an hour at home turning that topic into a poem, a your location. Choose two central ■ they became mini-celebrities, with fans devoted to their every move. monologue, a scene, a song, a drawing, a photograph, etc. You can create this finished characters. Cast them with any Performs on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music piece alone or with other people. However, along with this product, which you will present actors of your choice, professional In 1957, Baltimore’s WJZ-TV gave ex-disk jockey, Buddy Deane a show, running from ■ Improvises melodies, variations, and or otherwise. Choose the music 4:35 to 6:00 PM every weekday, and from 1:00 to 2:30 on Saturday. The student to the class, report on the process you used to create it. The process will be different for accompaniments you’d like to have as underscoring regulars were called “The Committee” (renamed “The Council” in Hairspray). Waters everyone. Some people will work from images that come to mind and build stories around ■ Composes and arranges music within for the piece. Jot down those even appeared on The Buddy Deane Show: these images. Some people will work from characterizations, hearing dialogue that contains specified guidelines notes and bring in your ideas to dramatic conflict, etc. Use the following list of general topics to begin the brainstorming ■ Reads and notates music I was on The Buddy Deane Show as a guest, but a guest was so low. The share with the class. process: ■ Knows and applies appropriate criteria to Committee members’ jobs were to dance with guests, who were the low-life music and music performances viewers. They couldn’t dance with each other except every second or third ■ Fried eggs ■ Fondly recalled memories ■ Understands the relationship between music record. history and culture ■ Kissing ■ Partial to pizza, etc. Theater The Committee members were my ■ Purple Passion ■ Demonstrates competence in writing scripts imaginary friends. I used to watch the ■ A stack of books (You can add or subtract from ■ Uses acting skills show and draw exaggerated hairdos and ■ The flute player these topics at will.) make up fictitious biographies for all of ■ Designs and produces informal and formal ■ Doorknobs productions them. ■ Tap dancing ■ Directs scenes and productions The Buddy Deanehad Show only white ■ Understands how informal and formal theater, dancers (except on “Negro Day” once a film, television, and electronic media month), even though the teens on the show productions create and communicate usually preferred dancing to music by black 2. meaning artists. EXPRESS yourself ■ Understands the context in which theater, film, television, and electronic media are Earlier, in the 1940s and early ‘50s, white singers would record their own “cover” In the Overture to Life’s Skills, “You Can’t Stop the Beat” (pages 28 and 29), Scott Wittman performed today as well as in the past versions of rhythm and blues tunes, since radio programmers worried that their discusses his high school and college career. He talks about how his involvement with musicals Visual Arts audiences would reject “race music.” However, the biggest music audience, teenagers, started in high school, with summer stock, movies, and theater continuing throughout his life. ■ Understands and applies media, techniques, were more interested in the authentic raw sounds of rock & roll and rhythm & blues. Cover versions lost their popularity, and radio stations began integrating their playlists. He was fascinated and committed to all forms of theater and followed this path wherever he and processes related to the visual arts Color distinctions didn’t matter to the teens — they just wanted more of the music. A could. Describe either yourself or someone you know in terms of your or their deep commitment ■ Knows how to use the structures (e.g., sensory qualities, organizational principles, expressive member of the popular black group, the Cleftones, remarked that “disc jockeys and to a strongly motivated pursuit. features) and functions of art record distributors were doing more for integration than Brown versus the Topeka Board of Education.” ■ Knows a range of subject matter, symbols, and potential ideas in the visual arts the air because they wouldn’t integrate. It wasn’t Buddy — the kids’ parents Unlike said,the situation “You’re innot Hairspray dancing ,with the television-stationblack people on television.”management It wasactually tense did here want to ■ Understands the visual arts in relation to integrate the show. However, the parents of the Committee members refused to allow it. history and cultures in Baltimore. Even today it would be odd to have fifteen-year-olds black and white, slow dancing together on television. I don’t think that would be able to ■ Understands the characteristics and merits of In real life, it did not have a happy ending. The Buddy Deane Show went off one’s own artwork and the artwork of others happen, to tell you the truth. I gave it a happy ending that it didn’t have.

36 37 ON ON SS SS E E L 5 L 5 The Arts The Arts Discussion Writing

Discussion Objective From the Script Writing Objective From the Script To understand the context in Act 2, Scene 2 To learn how visual metaphors Act 2, Scene 2 which theater is performed Tracy is in prison, causing Edna to feel like a failed parent. Luckily, Edna has Wilbur to cheer her up. Wilbur and Edna reaffirm their love for each other. and how theater can aspire to in the arts can be used to put forward new ideas. Wilbur & Edna: Wilbur: change society. (WILBUR & EDNA are at Wilbur: Wilbur: YOU NEED A FRESH COAT OF PLASTER YEAH OUR SPRINGS NEVER POP home later that day. I’m closing up. You can’t worry about WILBUR is busily (A "Rube Goldberg" type people calling you Teaching Tips Edna: Edna: working on a jumbo trick pulls the names. You know how Teaching Tips BUT WILBUR, I’M STILL HOT TO TROT AND ON THE DAY THAT YOU DROP many times I’ve been What are the qualities of a ■ hairspray can model. "closed" sign on the Have you seen the movie EDNA is on the phone.) shop) called crazy? But I “Mom of the Year”? What are Hairspray? Was it like any say, "Yeah crazy. Wilbur: Wilbur & Edna: the qualities of a "Dad of the YEAH EDNA, YOU’RE LIKE THE HINDENBURG WHOO! I’LL CATCH YOU WHEN YOU FALL Edna: Edna: Crazy like a loon." other movie that you’ve ever Year"? Explain your answers. DISASTER AND WE GOT A KID Hello? Yes, Mr. Pinky. Oh, Wilbur, my Anyway, we haven’t seen? In what ways would you WHO’S DONE WHAT SHE DID Yes, of course I stomach’s in knots. My abandoned Tracy. In What are the qualities of a Edna: AND WE’RE AS PROUD AS PROUD CAN BE say it was different, and in understand that you nerves are on edge. fact, I got just what happy, compatible couple? what ways was it similar? have an empire to she needs here; stand I’M FULL OF GAS! What makes them Wilbur: protect, Yes. I’ll Wilbur: back. What would you identify as YOU’RE STILL MY BIG AFFAIR return the outfits. Calm down, sweetheart. (HE pushes the aerosol compatible? Who is the least Wilbur: the themes of Hairspray? The pettipants, too. I can top – it explodes) compatible couple that you BUT YOU WON’T BE FORGOT!! Edna: scarcely wore them Edna: What’d’ya think? Isn’t know? What could make MEIN HERR! ■ How many movies or plays twice...but Mr. Pinky, Calm down? There are it a doozy? Wilbur & Edna: she’s just a little them compatible? What is LOVE TAKE A LICKIN’ can you think of that deal names for women who girl and little girls abandon their daughters Edna: your vision of the greatest love BUT WE KEEP ON TICKIN’ Wilbur & Edna: with integration in ways that make mistakes. If they who’ve gotten arrested Impressive. But how’s affair you could possibly WE’RE JUST LIKE THE CLOCK ON THE WALL YOU’RE TIMELESS TO ME. didn’t — where would it gonna help our are satisfying to you? Literally for trying to integrate imagine? Can you remember other little girls come Tracy? count the number that you an after school sock from?...Yes, I hop type television a time when something you can think of. Of this number, understand… it is too show. Yes, there are Wilbur: dreamed of or wished for bad...Goodbye. how many of them represent names, and Hallmark You’ll be surprised. came true? If yes, what was Exercise (SHE hangs up and does not make a card the world as you know it? it and how long did it last? Hairspray is a unique world seen through the eyes of John Waters. In this world, integration on TV is bursts into hysterics.) for any of them! Edna: Oh, Wilbur, this is a Oh, sure! You’re a possible every day, overweight girls can be sexy teen idols and romantic love objects, and goofy ■ real Midol moment. Some people say movies visionary inventor couples who seem to be complete opposites can be the dream parents of their time. In this world, TV should be more like life, saving the day! personalities can support healthy role models and not lose their jobs. How true is this picture to life? others say that life should be more like the movies. Which After discussing Hairspray as a vision of life through the eyes of John Waters, have the class create statement do you agree with their own vision of the world. This world should include contrasting verbal and visual images. For and why? Exercise instance, in Hairspray, Wilbur compares Edna to the Hindenburg disaster, yet intends it as a John Waters took a situation from his own life that could have led to despair. But as he tells us in compliment. (Similar apparent contradictions are found throughout the show, capturing John Waters’ the “Overture to the Arts” (page 34), he changed the endings in both the movie and stage version to feel for paradox.) reflect a more positive outcome. Begin by using the lyrics of “Timeless to Me” to demonstrate how metaphor and simile are used. “Even today it would be odd to have fifteen-year-olds black and white slow dancing together on Then, allow the students to brainstorm, encouraging them to free their minds from conventional television.” physical and visual images. Be sure there is time remaining in class after they’ve written their visions to share their ideas with one another. But in Hairspray it does happen, demonstrating how theater can be used as a vehicle to initiate or suggest change in society. Have a discussion of that phenomenon. Ask your students if they can come up with other movies, songs, or theater pieces which demonstrate an alternative to present reality. Furthermore, ask them to identify situations that they would like to see changed by a work of art and how they believe this could be accomplished.

38 39 ON SS E L 5 THE ARTS to go The Arts

Experiential NAME DATE 3. CLASS TEACHER HOURSAfter Experiential Objective From the Script Hairspray is about “monumental To use acting and directing Act 2, Scene 3 1. hairdos.” What about hairdos skills to produce a scene. Link has come to Tracy to tell her that he loves her. Penny and Seaweed also declare their true love. What doYOU think? today? Set aside an afternoon to Penny & Seaweed: Backup: Based upon the visual images that your teacher has shown in class as well as images that walk around your city or town with ’CAUSE WITHOUT LOVE ...WITHOUT LOVE Teaching Tips you have seen in the media or researched on the Internet, what is your impression of the notepad and pen in hand. Write down descriptions or draw ■ What roles have you played Seaweed: ‘60s? Jot down your thoughts about the songs, dances, TV shows and politics of the time. LIFE IS LIKE A BEAT THAT YOU CAN’T FOLLOW OOH-OOH sketches of the variety of hairdos in theater projects both in and Was the ‘60s a time that you would have enjoyed living in? Why or why not? Write a short Penny & Seaweed: that you encounter in the street. out of school? Which roles essay discussing this topic, answering all the questions above. WITHOUT LOVE WITHOUT LOVE Next, compile similar descriptions were most like you, which Penny: of hairdos seen on TV or in were most different from you? LIFE IS DORIS DAY AT THE APOLLO OOH-OOH magazines. Bring these into class What are the qualities that go Penny & Seaweed: and compare them with others. towards making up a good DARLING, I’LL BE YOURS FOREVER I’LL BE YOURS FOREVER director? ‘CAUSE I NEVER WANNA BE WITHOUT LOVE WITHOUT LOVE Hairdos in theater are traditionally considered part of the costume ■ Seaweed: What are the qualities that I’M YOURS FOREVER DOOT DOOT DOO DOOT department. Pretend you are a go towards making a good NEVER SET ME FREE DOOT DOOT DOO DOOT costume designer responsible for NO, NO, NO! NO, NO, NO! actor? Do you consider it creating a look for two characters. important to work with theater (The light comes on in the jail again. From now on we can see both couples at once.) Using your hairdo sketches as a collaborators who are guide, develop these characters, talented? Do you consider it Link: Backup: and the roles they might play in a IF YOU’RE LOCKED UP IN THIS PRISON, TRACE OOH-OOH important to work with theater I DON’T KNOW WHAT I’LL DO OOH-OOH dramatic story. Then either describe them orally in class or collaborators who are Tracy: responsive and cooperative? LINK, I’VE GOT TO BREAK OUT OOH-OOH present classmates with a written SO THAT I CAN GET MY HANDS ON YOU I CAN GET MY HANDS ON YOU description. ■ If you had to choose one Seaweed: GIRL, IF I CAN’T TOUCH YOU NOW OOH 2. quality over another, talent I’M GONNA LOSE CONTROL LOSE CONTROL EXPRESS yourself versus cooperation, which Penny: How interested are you in performing? Have you performed as an actor, athlete, musician, would you choose? SEAWEED, YOU’RE MY BLACK WHITE KNIGHT BLACK WHITE KNIGHT I’VE FOUND MY BLUE-EYED SOUL dancer, etc.? What is your relationship to performing? Would you rather be on stage or backstage? If you were able to perform in Hairspray, which of the characters would you like to play? Would you prefer to be working on the scenic elements, directing, etc.? Try to identify who you are in terms of performance; an actor, a director, a designer, a writer students to concentrate on the storytelling aspect Exercise or an audience member. For a homework assignment, make a short tape or burn a CD in while simultaneously keeping the emotions of which you do one of the following: This excerpt not only features four vigorous and the piece in mind. appealing principal actors, but a backup chorus a) Read a poem that either appeals to you or one that you’ve written of singers to create a rousing production number. The classroom teacher may ask the music b) Pretend to be a fictional character, describing yourself and your situation Have the class divide in half. Select two director and the drama teacher to give the class c) Describe what puts you most at ease when you’re in front of an audience directors, one for each scene, and have the some tips for directing actors and singers in a directors choose actors and backup singers to scene. After the scenes have been rehearsed, the rehearse and produce the scene in class. drama and music teachers can be part of a discussion analyzing this process for both the Have each team choose a familiar song to directors and actors. dramatize. While staging the songs, remind the Copyright 2003, Camp Broadway 40 41 ™

NOTES Resources Cry Baby: Original Motion Picture 1960s: Music, Memories and Stage BOOKS ™ MCA, 1990. , White Star Studios, Anderson,and the Sixties. Terry H. The Movement Soundtrack, Milestones StageNOTES 1989, Not Rated. Oxford University A FIELD GUIDE FOR TEACHERS Hairspray: Original Motion Picture Press, 1996. Soundtrack,MCA, 1988. Hairspray, directed by John Waters, A Field Guide for Teachers starring Ricki Lake and Divine. Carson, Clayborne, and Martin Every Great Motown Song, Released by New Line Studios, A Camp Broadway LLC Publication Lutherand the King, Black Jr. Awakening In Struggle: of SNCC the 1960s. Volume 1: 1960s,Uni/Motown, 1988, Rated PG. 1988. Editor: Jodi Simon Stewart Harvard University Press, The ’60s: The Complete NBC Associate Editors: Roseanne Saraceno, Lesley Mazzotta 1995. Art Director: Joseph M. Pisarchick Broadway Magic: 1960s, Original Miniseries,Vidmark/Trimark Studio, Cast Compilation, Sony Music 1999, Rated PG-13. Farber, David R., and Beth Bailey. Writers: Russell Granet: Associate Program Director at The Center for Arts Education Entertainment, 1987. The Columbia Guide to America in and a member of the faculty for New York University’s Kaplan Center for the 1960s.Columbia University EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL Educational Drama. Press, 2001. FILMS ENTERTAINMENT FILMS The 20th Century: The 1960s: The Robert Hartmann: composer/lyricist and Assistant Professor, New York University Cry Baby, directed by John Waters, Global Revolution,Mpi Home Gitlin,Watching. Todd. The Whole World Is Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program starring Johnny Depp and Ricki Video, 2000. University of California Lake. Released by Universal Press, 1981. Maxine Kern: dramaturg, playwright and educator with experience in curriculum Studios, 1990, Rated PG-13. development, interdisciplinary writing coordination and classroom teaching Isserman, Maurice, and Michael Kazin. America Divided: The Civil Copy Editor: Lesley Krauss: owner of Book Project Management, a trade book editorial production War of the 1960s. WEBSITES company Oxford www.hairsprayonbroadway.com University Press, 2000. The official website for Hairspray For Hairspray: Divided: The New Left, the New Costume Design: William Ivey Long Klatch, Rebecca E. A Generation Right, and the 1960s. www.amazon.com Scenery Design: David Rockwell To purchase any of the merchandise listed Lighting Design: Kenneth Posner University Logo Design: Serino Coyne, Inc. of California Press, 1999. www.playbill.com Production Photos: Paul Kolnik For the latest information Press: Richard Kornberg & Associates Morgan, Bill, and Greg Davis. and news on Hairspray Collector’s Guide to TV Toys and Special Thanks: Joaquin Esteva, Winnie Goodridge, Lily Hung, Ronni Mandell, Brian Mear, Memorabilia: 1960s & 1970s. Tammy Samuels, Barry Singer, Sasha Taublieb Collector Books, 1998. RETAIL STORES Applause Theatre Books Unge,Changin’: Irwin. The The Sixties Times Reader. Were a 211 West 71 Street, NYC Printed by: Royal Fireworks Press, Unionville, NY EDUCATION: 212-496-7511 McREL Three Rivers Press, 1998. www.applausebooks.com Mid-continent Regional Educational Laboratory, Inc. 2550 S. Parker Rd. Ste. 500 Yapp,of the Nick. 20th TheCentury). 1960s (Decades Drama Book Shop Aurora, CO 80014 Konemann, 250 West 40 Street 303-337-0990 phone 1998. 212-944-0595 303-337-3005 fax www.dramabookshop.com www.mcrel.org e-mail: [email protected] MUSIC Hairspray: Original Broadway Cast Theatre Circle Books ASCD Recording,Sony Music 1 Shubert Alley, NYC Association for Supervision and Entertainment, 2002. 346 West 44 Street, NYC Curriculum Development 1703 N. Beauregard St. 212-586-7610 Alexandria, VA 22311 Hear It Now! The Sound of the 800-223-1320 703-578-9600 phone ’60s, Sony, 1999. www.BroadwayNewYork.com 800-933-2723 303-337-3005 fax Rock ’n Roll Relix: Five-Volume www.ascd.org Collection, 1960–1969, Eclipse e-mail: [email protected] Music Group, 1997.

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