The Perfect Timing of Harispray: Live
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The Perfect Timing of Harispray: Live

5 reasons why America needed Hairspray: Live right now.

21
The Perfect Timing of Harispray: Live

On December 7th, NBC performed and aired Hairspray: Live! The show starred Maddie Baillio, Ariana Grande, Kristin Chenoweth, Derek Hough, Jennifer Hudson, Harvey Fierstein and more, and was able to reach millions of viewers around the United States. Following NBC's The Wiz, Hairspray had a lot to live up to, but NBC could not have picked a better musical for the issues facing the United States today. Here are 5 moments in Hairspray: Live that prove just that.

5. Body Image

Tracy, the main protagonist, is an overweight teenager, even calling herself a "heavyweight champion" during one song. But, she accepts that that's who she is, and she is comfortable in her body. Despite being laughed at and teased for her weight, Tracy still goes on to dance on the Corny Collins Show, and becomes a fan favorite immediately. It's so, so important to show that your body type is not the final deciding factor of what you can and can't do in life, especially when media is idealizing a certain body shape. Not to mention Jennifer Hudson's rendition of "Big, Blond, and Beautiful."

4. Strong Female Leads

From Tracy to Motormouth Maybelle to Edna, Hairspray is full of strong female characters. These women (and one man dressed in drag, but that's besides the point) are able to show young girls and women who are watching that it's ok to have feelings and to want to take action. It's ok to stand up for yourself, even when others won't.

3. Attention to Racism

With so much hate present in America surrounding race, this was the perfect time for a musical that dips into the Civil Rights Movement. From talk of integration, to peaceful protesting, to the reality of how terrible people were (and are) to people of color, this musical is shedding light on the fact that racism is indeed present in America.

2. "You Can't Stop the Beat"

This upbeat number is one that brings joy to everyone. You just want to get up and dance! This closing songs also brings a renewed source of hope at the end of a show that focuses on positivity and moving forward, as well as the acceptance of people of every size and color.

1. "I Know Where I've Been"

Jennifer Hudson's rendition of "I Know Where I've Been" moved many, including many of the actors in the scene, to tears. With all of the craziness happening in the U.S. today, this song spoke to many people watching. Please listen if you have not heard it yet.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

52386
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33663
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956429
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181290
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments