More than 500 audition for Hairspray in Baltimore

The Baltimore Sun reports that more than 500 hopeful actors attended an open audition for the forthcoming Broadway musical Hairspray, based on the movie written and directed by out filmmaker John Waters. Hairspray tells the story of chubby Tracy Turnblad, whose dancing skills make her the toast of 1960s Baltimore television. The only role cast thus far is that of Tracy's mother: Played by Divine in the film, the part goes to Harvey Fierstein, who donned drag once before in Torch Song Trilogy. The score is cowritten by openly gay composer Marc Shaiman (South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut).