Cult classic ‘Hairspray’ teaches acceptance, inclusion at Theatre Cedar Rapids

Directing "Hairspray" is a labor of love for Matt Curtis. The Jefferson High School alum enjoyed the iconic original film so much that he overdosed on "Hairspray" the musical when he moved to New York City in 2004.

"I saw the production on Broadway many times when I lived in New York," Curtis said. "Anytime anyone visited me I would take them to see 'Hairspray.’"

Curtis, 42, who will direct the production at Theatre Cedar Rapids, loves the message as much as the humor and quirkiness of "Hairspray."

"Part of the reason ‘Hairspray’ is so beloved for me is due to what it's about," Curtis said. "’Hairspray’ is about acceptance and inclusion. The heart of the story is about a young woman who doesn't see why certain people are treated in a different way than others. The message shines through a layer of joy and humor."

When the film "Hairspray" hit screens in 1988, written and directed by John Waters, it was a modest hit buoyed by positive reviews. Waters' muse, Divine, earned praise for playing the overweight and overbearing Edna Turnblad. A pair of musicians, the late Sonny Bono and Blondie icon Deborah Harry, also scored positive feedback The iconic Jerry Stiller won raves for playing Edna's husband, Wilbur Turnblad. The uncompromising Waters, who made a number of provocative cult films, surprised by making a movie with considerable heart that was a moderate box office success.

The movie focuses on an overweight Baltimore teen who longs to dance on a popular local dance show. Racism and body shaming are the focus of Waters' film, which was ahead of its time. The off the wall flick takes a nostalgic look back at Waters' formative years in Baltimore. The maverick director enjoyed the local teen dance shows.

"When we were in pre-production for this play, I went back and watched the original film, which I haven't seen in years," Curtis said. "It's a very different vehicle. You can see the source of inspiration in that movie. John Waters is a visionary, who is so unique. I love the original film."

"Hairspray" was remade in 2007 with a cast loaded with star power that features John Travolta as Edna Turnblad, Michelle Pfeiffer and Christopher Walken. The second film version was released five-years after "Hairspray" debuted on Broadway in 2002. “Hairspray,” which featured Harvey Fierstein as Edna Turnblad, received Tony Award nominations in 13 categories, winning eight, including the best musical, book, score and direction.

"I'll take Divine and Harvey Fierstein over John Travolta," Curtis said.

Curtis also favors Mike Olinger, who plays Edna Turnblad in the TCR production. Olinger is excited about portraying such an iconic character.

"It's a bucket list role for me," Olinger said. "It's the ultimate challenge to play Edna. I'm an admirer of classic drag. Tom Hanks (in the underrated series ‘Bosom Buddies’), Milton Berle (throughout his career), and Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon ( in ‘Some Like It Hot’) were so good performing in drag. People don't talk about how difficult it is to make it work. It's not easy to sing and dance while in drag. It's quite a challenge."

Olinger, 54, has taken some elements from Travolta's performance as Edna Turnblad.

"When you look at John Travolta's role, I think he played up the love story part and was tremendous when it came to the awkwardness playing Edna Turnblad," Olinger said. “I told our director, Matt, that this is a beautiful love story with Edna and Wilbur. I have my own geeky love story with my wife. I see a little of myself in Wilbur and Edna, so I bring that to the role. At times, I feel Divine underneath me."

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Curtis knew "Hairspray" well, but he was surprised at the level of difficulty in terms of music and dance.

"It seems like a fluffy piece, but the music in 'Hairspray' is quite difficult," Curtis said. "There's so much dancing in the show. It's challenging with the music and the choreography. On top of it, the show requires stamina. That's where we are right now in the final steps before we open. The performers are working on their stamina."

It's been an uphill battle for Olinger to get into the best shape while racing across the stage in heels.

"That is such a challenge," Olinger said. "A lot of younger people are busting their (butts) singing and dancing. Then you throw me in, 30 years older than most people, in the cast and oh my gosh, the stamina. I'm a mover, not a dancer, but I'm doing my best in terms of stamina. My back hurts and my feet hurt. My wife says she has no sympathy for me complaining about moving around in heels."

After working on Disney Broadway productions, Curtis relocated with his husband to Boston and has become a freelance director. That decision has made returning home to the theater he grew up in while learning about acting and directing possible. Last season, Curtis directed "Something Rotten" and recently helmed a production of "Jersey Boys" for Theatre Cedar Rapids.

"It's significant for me to go back to the stage I grew up on," Curtis said. "I started in this theater when I was 11 years old. I love doing theater in a community that sparked my love of the performing arts and my love of theater. It's always great to be back in Cedar Rapids."