Hairspray (musical) encourages individuality, acceptance and freedom. It is a musical that can be applied to any social context and time, as it highlights ongoing issues such as fat-shaming, racism and discrimination. It also explores femininity in terms of the female characters. Notably, Tracy’s mother, Edna Turnblad, is performed in drag during the shows. Allowing a drag role for Edna adds a queerness to the musical as it does not include any gay characters. Edna is considered to be the non-racialised other that is part of the story in Hairspray. The musical also challenges the societal norms of a female. The body
Billy (musical) it 'the brightest British musical for years…it's going to hoist brilliant Michael Crawford into the ranks of the superstars.' " The Original Cast recording was released by CBS (70133) on May 1, 1974. Billy (musical) Billy is a musical based on the novel and play "Billy Liar" by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall. The book was written by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, the music is by John Barry, and the lyrics are by Don Black. "Billy" opened at the Palace Theatre in Manchester before moving to the West End at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on 1 May