HAIRSPRAY vs. MEMPHIS

[zamedy]

Posted: 6/26/12 at 9:44am

I recently saw MEMPHIS on tour and absolutely LOVED IT, to my great surprise. Some of the songs were very memorable, and the entire cast was strong, committed and vibrant. As a huge HAIRSPRAY fan, I also couldn't help but see some of the parallels (Race/acceptance around the same time in our country's history, the dance/singing/talent show, and "Listen to the Beat"/"You Can't Stop the Beat.") While both shows won the Tony for Best Musical, I'd be curious to hear why others think HAIRSPRAY was, overall, much more successful with a very impressive 6 1/2-year run. Where did/does it succeed where MEMPHIS may come up short? While the 'SPRAY is more 'campy,' is it because it has more heart and an even stronger score.. and was able to create more of a buzz with Harvey in the OBC? HAIRSPRAY does have more to play with 'theme-wise' (segregation and 'plumpness'), where as MEMPHIS is anchored almost soley in the race theme. Thoughts?

Updated On: 6/26/12 at 09:44 AM

[broadwaydevil]

Posted: 6/26/12 at 9:53am

In many ways, Memphis is a ripoff of Hairspray.

Hairspray was far more successful because: it's a far better show. The score is much more memorable/exciting, the book is far superior - it actually has comedic elements that are funny, Memphis could have taken some better notes. In Hairspray, there's actually a lot happening - in Memphis we're given one storyline we care about, Felicia and Huey's relationship.

Lastly and perhaps most importantly, although Hairspray certainly has serious messages about love, racism, etc. it never took itself too seriously. You acknowledged its campiness, which is something many fell in love with. The writers of Memphis never seemed to understand that although what the musical conveys is important, it's something that's been said in so many ways so many times before. In order to solve that, one must either say something new (which Memphis doesn't) or not take itself too seriously (another area Memphis fails.)

[Unknown User]

Posted: 6/26/12 at 10:26am

Huh. I see it more that Hairspray is a fun show with a great score and some good laughs that makes you think and Memphis sucks.

[JP2]

Posted: 6/26/12 at 10:35am

I read zamedy's post and was ready to post an essay response discussing the parallels and differences between both shows and then I read JoeKv99's post and realized he summed it up pretty nicely.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 6/26/12 at 11:34am

The only element the two shows really have in common is racism which has been a common theme in theatre for over 80 years. Beyond that, they differ greatly. Hairspray has a stronger book and score. And the source material was rooted in comedy and camp with music and dancing already built in to the story. I liked Memphis and I loved Hairspray. Both shows have finales using the word "beat". I know it's fun to get in a snit about it, but nothing about the show seems to intentionally rip off anything.

[JP2]

Posted: 6/26/12 at 11:49am

Well, the finale has a lot more than just a word that is similar to Hairspray. It's both musically and tonally similar. Then add the fact that the Memphis finale is also musically and tonally different to EVERYTHING else in the show, it makes the juxtaposition greater.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 6/26/12 at 1:13pm

What JoeKv said...


and


Basically the guy from Bon Jovi with the bad 80's perm was rushing to figure out what pop hit he needed to insert at he end after 2 hours of bland, pointless material and listened to 'You Can't Stop the Beat' from Hairspray. The rest is a lawsuit waiting to happen.

Enter Marc Shaiman--

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 6/26/12 at 1:57pm

"I see it more that Hairspray is a fun show with a great score and some good laughs that makes you think and Memphis sucks."

Bwa Ha Ha Ha Ha Hahahaha *breathes* Ha ha ha ha ha haha!!

[Bwaydide92]

Posted: 6/26/12 at 2:47pm

Hairspray- something you would be willing to sit through many times

Memphis- a torturous two and a half hours where you can't wait to leave the theatre