Letter to "Hairspray" Cast and Crew

... From the "Hairspray" Composer and Lyricist

Just prior to dress rehearsal on Thursday evening, the cast and crew of “Hairspray” were surprised with a very special letter received by their producing director John Middleton-Cox, one that was bursting with all the enthusiasm and joy that this show represents. We are so happy to share the words of the composer and lyricist of “Hairspray,” Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. The words speak for themselves!

Dear Cast & Crew of the Burlington High School production of "HAIRSPRAY",

Scott & I were very excited to hear about the huge production of "HAIRSPRAY" you are all currently a part of.

"HAIRSPRAY" was a joyous event in our lives.  From the moment we started writing the songs to the rehearsals on 42nd St., from the Opening Night on Broadway to The Tony Awards right up to the making of the movie musical and beyond, it really has been one long dream come true for us, and we hope that your experience putting on the show brings you as much joy as we have gotten over the years.

Our only request is you share that joy!  There is no holding back allowed when putting on "HAIRSPRAY".  One has to sing every word with all the emotion you can bring to it, dance like your life depended on it, and make sure that every audience member leaves the theatre a little happier than they were when they came in, and hopefully a little more willing to accept all types of people, regardless of what they look like.  And maybe to even search out people who are different than themselves.  And dance!

Scott & I were both lucky enough to go back to our high-schools to see productions of "HAIRSPRAY".  Oprah Winfrey has never had such a "full circle" moment!  Please let that show you, very clearly, that two guys like us who loved doing musicals when we were in high-school (just like you!) worked very hard and got to have every dream come true.

Please, have fun and break a leg.  Welcome to the family of "HAIRSPRAY"!

xo Marc & Scott