Hairspray, the musical and film, is set in 1962.
The story takes place in Baltimore, Maryland, during a period of significant social change and racial segregation. The plot revolves around Tracy Turnblad, a teenage girl who dreams of dancing on "The Corny Collins Show," a popular local television dance program modeled after the real-life "Buddy Deane Show". This setting allows the musical to explore themes of racial integration, body positivity, and the power of individual action to bring about change within a specific historical context.
