If you're dying to see a drag show like no other, you are in luck! Starting yesterday at the Shanghai Grand Theatre, the Broadway musical Hairspray made its debut in Shanghai and will continue to play nightly for about two weeks. After that, they are off to Beijing for a week of performances.

Based on the 2002 Broadway musical (which was based on the 1988 movie), Hairspray is a celebration of American music of the 1960's, as well as a social commentary on segregation and race issues during that time. The story is about a pleasantly plump girl, Tracy Turnblad, that dreams of appearing on a popular dance show in Baltimore, Maryland. When she gets her chance to make it on the show, she turns into an unlikely champion for equal rights.

While its material may sound a bit serious and heavy, don't worry. With same team of writers that wrote the music and lyrics for South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut, expect to enjoy a lot of tongue-in-cheek humor so listen to the lyrics carefully. And with a cast of touring professionals that recently finished a tour in America, you're sure to a great show.

In the meantime, enjoy this performance from the West End (London) production of the musical. It's the last number in the show.

Hairspray
Shanghai Grand Theatre, People's Square (上海大剧院@人民广场)
July 5 - July 20, 7:30pm everyday and 1:30pm on weekends
Tickets: mypiao.cn, 63728702 (中文), 63723833(English)