Niki Metcalf stars as Tracy Turnblad in a scene from the hit musical “Hairspray.” I recently spoke with Metcalf about the show’s themes, big hair and more in this exclusive interview.

NBC’s latest musical brought us back to 1962 Baltimore, and anticipation for “Hairspray Live!” was higher than Tracy Turnblad’s hair. Based on the 2002 Broadway show — an adaptation of ...

“Hairspray” is set in Baltimore in 1962 where Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and a big heart, has one passion — to dance. She wins a spot on the local TV dance program, “The ...

keep this “Hairspray” far from being a 2000s nostalgia act about ‘50s nostalgia. When the governor of Baltimore is coerced into keeping Tracy in jail so she’ll miss a TV talent competition ...

Instead, "Hairspray" is a toe-tapping romp through teenage ... Stubbs, the black youth Tracy befriends while serving a detention for "big hair." Charlotte Crossley's Motormouth Maybelle has one of two ...

But, unlike Hair, Hairspray's depth far exceeds its seemingly frivolous ... Mostly, it's hot because the show's romantic leads are so darn convincing. Carly Jibson as Tracy glows theatrical magic. She ...

asked Tracy Turnblad ... But like every strand of hair in those outrageously sculpted coiffures, “Hairspray”’s heart is still in the right place.

“Hairspray” tells the story of 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Joining Dawson is a diverse and talented ...

“I don’t like the Freaken mousse, but the Freaken gel gives my hair lots of body.” “What about the freakin’ hairspray?” I asked. “I don’t really like the smell,” she responded.