HAIRSPRAY Questions answered here! (inevitable Spoilers)- Page 2

[Marc Shaiman]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 6:38pm

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?"

Well, when Adam first had me come down to the editing room to watch what is called "the assemblage" which is literally the editors first pass using every single scene and line of dialogue filmed.

Now, we have been the closest of friends with Adam for like 18 years, so this was REALLY a scary moment for both Adam and myself. What if it sucked as*??

So, they hit play and I watched it on a large screen TV monitor in the editing room.

"Oh my God" I thought as it started to unspool "this is not terrible!"

When it was all over, for practically the first time in my film career, I was able to turn right around (Adam was sitting behind me, *****ing bricks) and just look a director in the eye and say "That was great!!" And MEAN it!!

The fact that it was my baby made this, obviously, even more amazingling that I could say that.

And the fact that I wouldn't have to kill Adam for ruining HAIRSPRAY was a really good thing. There would have been witnesses and a motive!

Could you tell me about the decision of having Little Inez win Miss Teenage Hairspray?


The idea for Lil' Inez to win was the very first thing that Leslie Dixon (the screenwriter hired to adapt all the existing scripts into a new one) suggested. It would show JUST how pure Tracy's feelings are, by her being so excited for Inez and not giving a rat's ass that she hadn't won. That was one of my favorite moments to "score" as YCSTB is finishing, the shots, one by one, of all the couples that culminates with Corny crowning Inez. When you go see the movie again and again (and again and again!), listen to how the strings play two emotional notes on the cut to Tracy and Link, then echo on the cut to Wilbur and Edna, then grow on the cut to Seaweed and Penny and then finally peak as the crown is placed on her head, resolving just as it "lands"




Updated On: 7/22/07 at 06:38 PM

[Marc Shaiman]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 6:45pm

I have fallen in love with Come so Far...Is there any chance that this fabulous song will be somehow incorporated in the show in the future ?

GMF, you are as sweet as ever

I admit I fantasize bout COME SO FAR somehow being used for bow music for the stage production in the future...we'll see!
Updated On: 7/22/07 at 06:45 PM

[IAMmyownMUSICAL]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 6:45pm

So I might be crazy...but I SWEAR I think I saw Harvey in the scene with Ms. Lake...is he sitting two seats away from her during "YCSTB"?

[Marc Shaiman]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 6:46pm

no, he is not there, and so, yes, you are clearly insane!

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 6:56pm

Marc, would you put any of the new songs in the musical if there were ever a chance??

[Marc Shaiman]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 6:59pm

a lot of people would have to be part of that decision...I don't think it could happen, but...who knows!!

[Midnight Radio]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 6:59pm

This is kind of a tough question, but I know alot of people must be wondering it:

I have heard that Harvey made it known he wanted the role of Edna in the film. I know that the film set out to be a uniquely different production with fresh blood but was Harvey ever invited to audition or was he simply turned away? And what is your personal opinion on this topic?
Updated On: 7/20/07 at 06:59 PM

[allofmylife]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 7:05pm

I'll bet the great new songs like "Ladies Choice" will end up in the revival of the show in 2022, the twentieth anniversary production. Marc and Scott will of course take a bow from the stage right box and people will marvel at the wonder of live theatre that Harvey doesn't look a day older as Edna.

It's happened in the revivals of "Cabaret" and "Sound of Music" to name a few.

[Dark_Angel]

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

I wanted to know if the version of YCSTB with the different ending without all the flourishes leading to the end is available. You can hear it on the Tracy Turnblad/Hairspray MySpace page. Not only does it end differently but you can hear Latifah singing along with the chorus during the last verses: You can't stop the motion of the ocean or the rain from above/You can try to stop the paradise we're dreaming of...etc.

[Marc Shaiman]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 7:16pm

was Harvey ever invited to audition or was he simply turned away? And what is your personal opinion on this topic?

well, as succinctly as possible:

When our producers Craig & Neil told New Line they thought they could snag John Travolta, THAT is when New Line got serious about making the movie. Travolta's name is what allowed them to raise the money from their foreign distributors (or something like that)

It never got into the pros and cons of styles of performing/acting. They weren't going to or be able to make the movie without that kind of "event" casting.

And from the moment we started working with Travolta, we adored his take on it.

Now, were we heart broken that Harvey wouldn't get to commit his iconic performance to film? OF COURSE. He took it like a man, or should I say like a man playing woman! He reminded Scott & I of the legendary stage performances that were not preserved in the films made from some classic musicals...Ethel Merman, Mary Martin, Zero Mostel, Julie Andrews, Carol Channing, Angela Lansbury, Patti LuPone, etc. As he said, he was in some very wonderful company with those folks.

Hopefully, Harvey will one day return to HAIRSPRAY, and even more people will get to fall in love with his Edna. It was his performance (and input) that made the show a hit and gave me profound pleasure from the first reading to his final performance on Broadway.

He is the greatest.

(p.s. for anyone who saw Harvey in the show, this is obviously a tender subject, but I really hope no one will start any kind of negativity on this thread...thanks!)
Updated On: 7/22/07 at 07:16 PM

[Marc Shaiman]

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

I hope the new songs somehow make their way into SOME productions of the show...

Iwanted to know if the version of YCSTB with the different ending without all the flourishes leading to the end is available. You can hear it on the Tracy Turnblad/Hairspray MySpace page. Not only does it end differently but you can hear Latifah singing along with the chorus during the last verses: You can't stop the motion of the ocean or the rain from above/You can try to stop the paradise we're dreaming of...etc.

and I think you are talking about the "radio edit" of YCSTB...call your favorite radio station and demand they start playing it!! I am not sure of any way (currently) to get that particular mix except over the radio.

Ok, off to the movies to see it with "normal" people.

See you guys later!
M
Updated On: 7/22/07 at 07:19 PM

[Midnight Radio]

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

"He reminded Scott & I of the legendary stage performances that were not preserved in the films made from some classic musicals...Ethel Merman, Mary Martin, Zero Mostel, Julie Andrews, Carol Channing, Angela Lansbury, Patti LuPone, etc. As he said, he was in some very wonderful company with those folks. "

That put a lump in my throat and brought a tear to my eye.

Thanks so much.

[songanddanceman2]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 7:55pm

OK mine isnt really a question but more of a THANKYOU !!

Not just for providing one hell of a film (im a huge film fan and have been for over 20 years and that is the best i have seen in years) but for writing such a great musical that my partner LOVED IT.He hated every other musical he has seen (hard since i work in them grr) but that one he said it was the best film he had seen in a long time YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAH Ive converted him.

Oh and if you want to know what audience reaction has been like here in the UK, CRAZY CRAZY CRAZY ,They were clapping and screaming after each song, and at the cinema i went to the lady who was working there said it was selling far more tickets today than Harry Potter.

You are my new hero XXXXxx

[Jonwo]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 8:35pm

Hey Marc, saw the movie today and it was better than I expected and I left the cinema with a huge smile. The reaction to the movie over in the UK is positive and most of my friends want to see the film.

My question is slightly stupid but why did New Line decide to release the film in the UK at the same time as the US as the stage production isn't opening till October.

[Elphaba]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 8:40pm

Marc, I loved the new songs.....and I think I pissed everyone off when the first time they panned the investors I said a bit too loudly "OMG that's Rikki Lake!"

Truly it was an amazing movie, for me the highlights being Queen, Michelle, and of course Nikki.
Travolta just didn't do it for me.......but I will buy it

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 9:14pm

Question:

Is this (the movie being made, released, etc) the most fun you've ever had? It surely seems like it!

[Testing1232]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 9:26pm

Marc,

Just got back, and want to say that the movie is AMAZING !!!

For me, it was like being at a Broadway musical-- (just less expensive) !!!

As soon as I left the theatre, I ran to the "Virgin" store to buy the CD.

Kudos, and thanks SO MUCH for taking the time to post on BWW !!

[ReNtHeAd04]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 9:39pm

I was at the Today Show too and I actually thought I saw you on stage during rehearsal. The movie was amazing! What was your favorite song to film?

[[e-mail]]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 9:40pm

Marc,
I was going to go to the preview/premiere in Michigan on Monday night, and after hearing from some friends of mine about bad experiences they had at previous "preview/premiere" expereinces, I decided not to go...

BOY, I WISH I HAD! I would have gladly waited in line 4 or 5 hours to see this film. It was brilliant, so intimate and wonderful. Particularily the eruption Tracy has into song on "I Can Hear the Bells" was fabulous. I am sure this film will become legendary, especially with a truly timeless and wonderful message that I'm sure will touch audiences of all ages for years to come.

As for a question (I feel almost obliged to ask one), when you're writing, do you usually work on the music or lyrics first? I know that there is no "right or wrong" answer, but I'm just curious how you specifically work. Also, do you work on your tunes at or away from the piano? If I'm being to personal with your creative process, by all means do not answer, just a curious fan who adored your score and film.

and How did you guys get Queen Latifah. She was fabulous!

[tomemiller]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 10:17pm

Marc,

Where can I get a copy of the Turnblad's wedding photo that is shown in the film? It is hilarious!

[TheActr97J]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 10:21pm

Hi Marc,

I just got back from seeing the movie for a second time (I saw it for the first time last week at the Cleveland premiere). I loved it even more than last week! I took my family this time, who have never had any exposure to the show prior to this. They left the theater raving about how much fun it was, what a great message it has, and how much they loved the score. My dad was even dancing in the parking lot. So you are definitely pleasing more than just the fans of the show with this film. Well done all around!

I would like to know though, how much trouble did you have getting this movie produced? Would you mind giving us some details about shopping this around Hollywood and the response it got? I'm wondering if it is getting any easier to get movie musicals produced in Hollywood in light of the success of Chicago, Dreamgirls, and very likely now Hairspray.

[Cruel_Sandwich]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 10:38pm

Greetings good sir--

I have not yet seen HAIRSPRAY but within the next 24 hours, that fact shall be changed. Hopefully, I shall have more questions then.

What I want to ask is more about movie musicals in general. This past decade has seen many many musicals being brought to the screen. Where will you say the movie musical genre will be in about ten years from now? Will there be more Broadway adaptations or more original ones?

By the way, how do you feel about "unconventional" movie musicals like ONCE and DANCER IN THE DARK?

[ucjrdude902]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 11:09pm

Marc, I have 2 questions but simple and i HOPE you answer because im sure everyone is pondering...

1.Whats next for Nikki?
2.Whats next for Elijah

[Christy323]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 11:34pm

I just got back from watching it, and I can honestly say I was ABSOLUTELY BLOWN AWAY. I knew it would be a smash, but I don't think I could have predicted just how moving it was! Seriously, moving to the point where I was sincerely crying during the march, and moving to the point where I had to fight to resist the urge to get up and dance in the aisles! Simply wonderful. So congratulations, Marc!

I know this will be difficult, since I'm sure it's kinda like asking you to choose your favorite child: which song do you think was your favorite in the movie? I mean in terms of the whole package: arrangement, performance by the individual, editing/cinematography, etc?

[Weez]

Posted: 7/20/07 at 11:51pm

I don't know if now is a good time to confess... but I've never seen the show and have no familiarity with it beyond the scenes that are in the 'Roots' book and, of course, the cast recording. So Tracy originally won Miss Teenage Hairspray? I TOTALLY love Inez winning it SO much more. Tracy's goal throughout the movie wasn't to win the crown, it was to integrate the show, and what better victory for everyone than have Inez win? Bravo on that decision!

... did Inez *really* get a landslide of votes, or was Corny being a sneaky little devil and making up the winner? Either way works for me, I'm just suspicious. I usually am when a phenomenally talented and handsome man is involved.