Скачать или смотреть How Composer Marc Shaiman Gave Hairspray Its Beat

A Sound That Defined a Musical Era

When Hairspray premiered on Broadway in 2002, its energy was instantly unmistakable. The music didn’t simply support the story — it drove it. Composer Marc Shaiman, working closely with lyricist Scott Wittman, created a score that captured the pulse of early 1960s America while delivering a message that felt urgent and contemporary.

Drawing from rhythm and blues, Motown, and classic pop, Shaiman gave Hairspray a beat that audiences could feel in their bodies. The music wasn’t just nostalgic; it was intentionally rhythmic, joyful, and forward-moving — a reflection of the social momentum at the heart of the show.

Rhythm as Storytelling

Rather than treating songs as standalone numbers, Shaiman used rhythm as a narrative device. In the opening song, “Good Morning Baltimore,” upbeat brass and playful tempos immediately establish the optimism and determination of the show’s heroine, Tracy Turnblad. From the very first notes, the audience understands her world — vibrant, hopeful, and ready to change.

Throughout the musical, the driving rhythms mirror the story’s themes of inclusion and progress. The beat never slows, reinforcing the idea that social change, like music, moves forward whether people resist it or not.

“You Can’t Stop the Beat” — A Musical Manifesto

The show’s finale, “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” has become one of the most recognizable endings in modern musical theater. More than a celebratory number, it serves as a declaration. The song’s relentless tempo and layered vocals symbolize unstoppable cultural and social momentum.

As highlighted in discussions around Shaiman’s work, the song encapsulates the heart of Hairspray: joy as resistance, movement as power, and rhythm as a metaphor for progress.

Collaboration and Craft

Shaiman’s long-standing collaboration with Scott Wittman played a crucial role in shaping Hairspray’s sound. Together, they balanced humor with emotional depth, ensuring that each song advanced the story while remaining accessible and fun.

The duo paid close attention to how music interacts with character, using stylistic shifts — from tender duets to full-blown dance numbers — to reflect personal growth and collective change. This thoughtful craftsmanship helped Hairspray resonate across generations and cultures.

A Lasting Legacy on Stage and Screen

More than two decades later, Hairspray continues to thrive on Broadway stages, touring productions, and international adaptations. Its enduring success is inseparable from Shaiman’s musical vision — a score that honors the past while speaking clearly to the present.

For New York theater lovers and music enthusiasts, Hairspray remains a reminder that when rhythm meets purpose, it can move far more than feet. Marc Shaiman didn’t just give the show its beat — he gave it a heartbeat that still pulses today.