HAIRSPRAY Questions answered here! (inevitable Spoilers)

[Marc Shaiman]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 5:07pm

My mailbox is bursting with the sweetest messages. And many of them have a simple question or two. Or three.

So I was thinking, if I (and I am sorry if this is pompous) made a thread where, now that the movie is out, I can actually answer questions that I wouldn't have wanted to before it's release, it might be a fun way to answer.

I will check in now and then, and I will ignore any (what I consider) nasty comments or questions, let's see if an entire thread can stay POSITIVE!

That also means, don't bother asking any questions that would hurt anyone's feelings.

ok?

Marc

p.s. imagine my humiliation if no one asks anything!

[mateo]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 5:10pm

Where is Walli in the movie??

[Salad_Fingers85]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 5:10pm

Sort of unrelated but how can we get the Catch Me if You Can demo CD?

[LoringsGuy]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 5:12pm

Roger Ebert mentions in his review that Pia Zadora makes a cameo, but I didn't see her. Was he mistaken?

[jarretSF]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 5:15pm

So how does it feel to have this movie loved by almost everyone who has seen it?

Do you know of any cut scenes that may appear on the DVD?

[Marc Shaiman]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 5:19pm

Where is [your dog] Walli Woo in the movie??

ooh, what a GOOD question!!

well...

Adam and I had this idea that the opening shot of the movie would somehow magically (we hoped) set up the BOOM---BOOM, BOOM drum pattern of "Good Morning Baltimore"

so, when you see the movie OVER and OVER again (I am hypnotizing you) you will hear that from the very first second, slowly at first, then accelerating more and more, the sounds of the sky, the harbor and the streets play that BOOM--BOOM, BOOM

and one of those sounds is a barking dog. Now, the sound effect guy supplied me with a bunch of options for ALL these sounds, but when it came to the barking, I thought "Why not Miss Walli Woo!!"

So...my music/tech assistant "Snacky" (yes, that is the nickname that EVERYONE calls him) set up the mic in my home studio to be ready, and sure enough later that day when the doorbell rang, he quickly went into record, and moments later, I had a potpourri of Woo barks, perfectly "from a distance" to cut into the musical tapestry.

And then, much to my thrill, the Sound Effect Editor cut those barks into other moments in the movie where we hear a neighborhood dog. I believe that is the shot from outside the apartment when Edna is sobbing, and then somewhere during or right before TIMELESS. I can't beleive I don't remember right now, but I got up at 5am for The Today Show!

And so, I asked if she could get billing, and amazingly, they said yes! I never imagined though that our fabulous "line" producer Garrett would place her credit SO high up, even before the amazing dancers!!

And that's the story of how Walli Woo is in the movie "HAIRSPRAY"!!
Updated On: 7/22/07 at 05:19 PM

[Miss B. L. T. Down]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 5:23pm

Not a big deal but why was Little Inez cut out of Miss Baltimore Crabs? Was her bit filmed and then deleted? I was just curious since it was recorded on the soundtrack. Thanks!

I thought the new songs fit in just perfectly into the movie, but did the studio try to get you to write an Oscar bait song? I'm glad you didn't do that. You put the movie before your ego!

Updated On: 7/20/07 at 05:23 PM

[ucjrdude902]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 5:25pm

Will Tracy's Ballad ever be released. I want it!

[Marc Shaiman]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 5:26pm

Wait, you're going too fast!!

Sort of unrelated but how can we get the Catch Me if You Can demo CD?

No, you can't get a CATCH ME demo CD. In fact, we are writing new songs still, since the workshop we are in the middle of is the FIRST time we are getting to actually all work together, with actors, for more than a day!

Roger Ebert mentions in his review that Pia Zadora makes a cameo, but I didn't see her. Was he mistaken?

No, Pia Zadora is not in the movie, musta been a typo somehow related to the original film.

So how does it feel to have this movie loved by almost everyone who has seen it?

Since we started test screening the movie, it has been surreal to witness the reaction. And I tried to tell people online, both here and other sites, just that. "Take my word for it, it came out REALLY GOOD!!". But I understood why people were suspect about my ability to give a detached opinion.

Anyway, IT FEELS GOOD!!!


Updated On: 7/22/07 at 05:26 PM

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 5:26pm

That is a wonderful story, Marc! LOVED the "sounds of the city" open.. a perfect set up for the film.

This is trivial, but were counting and honstely lost count. How many times DO we see your name during the closing credits?

Once again, thank you so much for this wonderful, wonderful film.

(Any chance we may see Elijah Kelley onstage in the future? he was brilliant.

[phantom8019]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 5:32pm

Marc, my question is, are you my dealer? Your music is like drugs. I am completely addicted. The other night I was on the treadmill and I had the Hairspray soundtrack on and I ran more than I've ever run in my life. I didn't even notice because your music was blasting though the room, making me smile. By the time I stopped running (the CD was over) I almost collapsed.
I think "Good Morning Baltimore" and "You Can't Stop the Beat" must change the chemical structure of my brain, like some serious addictive drugs. I am addicted to those songs. If I had to stop hearing them I would go through withdrawal. And I love how they are at the beginning and end of the movie, almost sealing it up in perfection. (LOVED the movie by the way, saw it today.)
Updated On: 7/20/07 at 05:32 PM

[Miss B. L. T. Down]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 5:37pm

One more question. Were you at any of the auditions/screen tests? Did you have any even tiny input in the casting process at all? Even in a "I think this person can handle singing the score/cannot handle the score" way? Or was it 100% out of your hands?

Thank you, Marc!

[Marc Shaiman]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 5:37pm

Not a big deal but why was Little Inez cut out of Miss Baltimore Crabs? Was her bit filmed and then deleted? I was just curious since it was recorded on the soundtrack. Thanks!

Inez's part of the ending of CRABS was recorded and filmed, but Adam felt it made Velma almost TOO horrific, that it might make you not be able to "enjoy" her wickedness. And when he saw how great it flowed to cut to Tracy sneaking back into class, with the "button" of the song hitting as her luscious butt hits the seat, that was that. But I am glad I got to put it on the CD.

I thought the new songs fit in just perfectly into the movie, but did the studio try to get you to write an Oscar bait song? I'm glad you didn't do that. You put the movie before your ego!

The "Tracy ballad" was certainly thought of as, BESIDES being hopefully a great new moment, the obvious spot for the "Oscar bait" song. I even suggested we cahnge Link's name to Oscar, so that Tracy could actually sing "I WANT OSCAR!"

Anyway, we all agreed upon seeing the first cut of the movie that another ballad after TIMELESS and I KNOW WHERE I'VE BEEN, especially one that is sung in a unchanging setting (Prudy's bomb shelter), was not good for the pace.

But Nikki sang that S**T out of it, and I am gonna check with the record company to see if, at this point, I can just post it online for BWW. It will most certainly be included in it's entirety on the DVD.

In the words of "Big Gay Al", Thanks for asking!
Marc


Updated On: 7/22/07 at 05:37 PM

[eatlasagna]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 5:42pm

unless i was not paying attention... is there a reason why little inez wasn't in the main credits... but she was listed during the rolling credits only???

[Marc Shaiman]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 5:47pm

Phantom, that is very sweet. And almost makes me feel kinda evil!!

Were you at any of the auditions/screen tests? Did you have any even tiny input in the casting process at all? Even in a "I think this person can handle singing the score/cannot handle the score" way? Or was it 100% out of your hands?

I wasn't able to be at much of the auditions, once it was down to a few choices, they sent Scott & I a link to a site where we could view the video taped auditions online (what a fabulous modern world!)

One day though, Adam mentioned they had cast Seaweed. "What?" I cried "Scott & I have it in our contract they no one can get cast without our weighin in. Uncast him right now, and let's set up an audition!"

So, they called the agent, can't imagine what they said, and we went over to a rehearsal hall in N. Hollwood to see this person they DARED cast without consulting us.

Well, Elijah Kelly walked in, sang, danced, played the piano and played the drums. I turned to my collaborators and mumbled "Um...ok, he'll do!!!!!!!"


Updated On: 7/22/07 at 05:47 PM

[Broadway Bob*]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 6:01pm

Marc,

I want to thank you for taking time out fo your busy schedule to chat with us here on the BWW boards. It is amazingly gracious of you and just makes me love you all the more (which I didn't think was possible). I enjoyed seeing your cameo in the film and thought the film was nigh on to flawless. My question is.... was there ever a time when it was considered to add more singing for Edna since Travolta is such an amazing singer?

Thanks again, and can't wait to see what you come up with next.


P.S. A shameless plug to say that someday, somewhere, somehow I WILL play Edna!

[mateo]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 6:04pm

Marc- at the premiere during Penny and Seaweed's solo in "You Cant Stop The Beat," I squealed when I heard the wah-wah pedal, "wakka" sound - I am such a nut over 70's music. So I enjoyed hearing this 'forward-thinking" groove.

Are the tracks on the recording done first and then you go in to spice up the score? Meaning, the differences between the two, likethe absence of the "wakka" on the CD.

Thanks!

Updated On: 7/20/07 at 06:04 PM

[Marc Shaiman]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 6:11pm

unless i was not paying attention... is there a reason why little inez wasn't in the main credits... but she was listed during the rolling credits only???

Lil' Inez's credit is in the crawl becuase of the size of her role and because there are so many stars, there was just no room left!

was there ever a time when it was considered to add more singing for Edna since Travolta is such an amazing singer?

There really wasn't much more any of us thought needed to be added for Travolta outside of reaising the keys (obviously) from Harvey's sub woofer notes. The only really added thing was the new "cadenza" at the end of "60's" as they exit the dress shop.

Marc- at the premiere during Penny and Seaweed's solo in "You Cant Stop The Beat," I squealed when I heard the wah-wah pedal, "wakka" sound - I am such a nut over 70's music. So I enjoyed hearing this 'forward-thinking" groove.

Are the tracks on the recording done first and then you go in to spice up the score? Meaning, the differences between the two, likethe absence of the "wakka" on the CD.

Now, as far as the wah-wah. Yes, it is from a few years later, but I decided Seaweed & Penny are "forward thinkers", so I added it! The Cd and Movie have differt mixes. I don't remember why it might be lower on the CD.

And I'm not so sure you oughta advertise the fact you tend to squeal!

oh my God, I am so tired from getting to The Today Show sound check today at 6am!!



Updated On: 7/22/07 at 06:11 PM

[JP2]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 6:14pm

I love the mix on the CD, but the movie beat that 10 fold. My ears were having the time of there rapid aging lives.

[mateo]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 6:15pm

thanks! Well when that dvd comes I am making mp3's of the songs.


eep I wasn't even in bed yet at 3 am here in CA.


Can I have a copy of the Hairspray movie rehearsal music? :) jk.

[Marc Shaiman]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 6:22pm

I love the mix on the CD, but the movie beat that 10 fold. My ears were having the time of there rapid aging lives.

the CD mixes were done under pressure to make the deadline and still have enough time to get back to the movie mixes

Also, the movie mixes are VERY intricate, and since you then take THOSE mixes and practically re-mix them as they are placed into the film, it really does give you more of a chance to punch up certain things more than on the CD, which, for listening purposes must be more "level". But for the movie, you are breathing with the action and purposely raising and lowering things, not just to clear the dialogue, but for dramatic effect.

It is more intricate than you could ever imagine. Which is why my head exploded around 6 weeks ago.


Updated On: 7/22/07 at 06:22 PM

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 6:25pm

Congrats on all the glowing reviews you and the movie are getting.

My question is . . . what moment in the whole process of making the film, from the pre-production, to the recording of the music, to the actual filming, etc. did you go "OMG, this is going to be amazing?"

[mateo]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 6:26pm

Well I hope all of what you just said is shown on the dvd!

Great lil write up on you and Scott in the Companion Book.

'Music Man.'

[FeelingElectric]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 6:27pm

I have a good question. Could you tell me about the decision of having Little Inez win Miss Teenage Hairspray? Having seen the musical five times previously, that really knocked me for a loop when I saw the movie last night. I was curious about the thought process behind that change.

[Greekmusicalfan]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 6:28pm

I just got the Soundtrack CD from Amazon(not released in Greece yet)and haven't stopped playing it ! It is FANTASTIC ! I have fallen in love with Come so Far and I am almost sure it will get an Oscar ! Is there any chance that this fabulous song will be somehow incorporated in the show in the future ?
And i know it is way premature, but can we expect the (2-disc hopefully) DVD before Christmas ?
Once again congrats and a big THANK YOU for making our lives beautiful with your talent !