Diversity, racism are topics in 'Hairspray,' coming to IU Auditorium Feb. 6-7

"Hairspray" plucked eight Tony Awards, including one for Best Musical. This exuberant yet forceful musical about diversity, racism, student activism, body image and (spoiler alert! But I'm not revealing which character changes their mind and becomes a better person) vindication. It comes to the Indiana University Auditorium Feb. 6 and 7.

The time is racially segregated Baltimore in the1960s, and teenager Tracy Turnblad refuses to shed her cheery buoyancy, even when she discovers that her Black friends are not enjoying many of the privileges that she has as a white girl. She turns her outrage into positive action and, as so many say they want to do, actually changes the world.

"Hairspray" is a musical that has kept its relevance to current events, even though Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan wrote it in the '80s.

Tackling racism in a musical

Tracy’s aspires to a dancing gig on The Corny Collins Show, performing with other gig-winners. But not everyone is allowed on the popular TV show, and it's not due to talent. It's, of course, their race.

Tracy, who has suffered effects of being an overweight child, advocates for fair treatment regardless of what someone looks like. A feisty leader, she gets others to do likewise.

Analyzing body image on stage

Tracy fights to keep her own self confidence. According to GLSEN’s 2016 research report, "From Teasing to Torment: School Climate Revisited — A Survey of U.S. Secondary School Students and Teachers," middle- and high school students reported that “appearance/body size” was the main reason students were harassed in school. Since 1999, GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network), an American research group, has done evaluations and research on LGBTQ+ issues in K-12 education.

In several "Hairspray" scenes, police officers are insolent to the Black community, including Motormouth Mabel, an R&B record producer. Violence follows as police and protesters collide.

Sarah Hayes, who plays Velma, a white woman with demonstrative racial prejudice, said the director and cast have had many discussions, including a workshop, to help the performers deal with the script's dark power.

"I had a hard time saying some of these things Velma says," Hayes said. For example, Velma smirks and laughs at the idea of a Black teen trying out for the all-white TV dance show.

As an actor, Hayes said,"It's a human looking into the eyes of another human and saying these (hurtful) things."

Tracy represents nonconformity: People needn't live up to others' physical standards.

Other upcoming events: What to do in 2024: Here's a list of live theater and music happening in Bloomington

Musical's message is timely, with anti-obesity prescriptions rising

The new obesity medication, semaglutide, is still starting arguments years after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave it the go in 2021, according to UCLA Health.

Almost 70% of adults in the U.S., the report says, are obese or overweight. Research indicates treating obesity as a chronic disease rather than expecting willpower and lifestyle alone to work is helpful.

Lesson from a cast member: Don't stifle yourself

Hayes, who earned a BFA in directing and acting from the University of Arizona, didn't intend to audition for the juicy role of Velma. She didn't think her dancing was strong enough. Plus, she had arrived at her goal: regularly working in theater, locally.

Her friend, however, encouraged Hayes to submit an audition tape, and the next day she learned she would be flying from Iowa to New York City for a callback. Now, Hayes performs not for audiences sometimes of 10 but for "two to three thousand people."

Hayes is admittedly reserved, sometimes shy. She's still overwhelmed with the curtain calls for "Hairspray," stating, "That roar at the end brings tears every single time."

If you go

WHAT: "Hairspray" by Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, a 2003 Tony-winning Best Musical

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6-7

WHERE: Indiana University Auditorium, 1211 E. Seventh St.

TICKETS: Starting at $17 can be purchased at the IU Auditorium box office or online at am.ticketmaster.com/iuarts/buy.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Diversity, racism topics in 'Hairspray," at IU Auditorium Feb. 6-7