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Sometimes oldies really are goodies. The Grand Theatre's current production of "Hairspray" is certainly an example.

Director Jim Christian has created a colorful confection that overflows with the energy and optimism of the 1960s. Teenager Tracy Turnblad (Emily Woods) is obsessed with the Corny Collins television show, where Baltimore teens get to strut their stuff; she wants to be one of them and become a star. There is only one problem: Tracy is overweight and an outsider at her high school. How she breaks through everyone's expectations and achieves her dream is the heart of "Hairspray." What gives the show even more depth is Tracy's belief that black teenagers should be part of Corny's contingent of singers and dancers; when she sets out to make that dream a reality, she runs into strong opposition in segregated Baltimore.

Adapted from the 1988 John Waters film, "Hairspray" opened on Broadway in 2002, won eight Tony Awards (including best musical, book and score) and ran for more than six years. The show is full of exuberant song-and-dance numbers, and Christian teams up with his daughter, Jessica Merrill, who creates eye-catching, high-stepping choreography.

Woods is a bundle of effervescent energy as Tracy, and the youthful cast is made up of grads and students from a range of musical theater programs. Standout performances also come from David Hanson as Tracy's supportive mom and McKenna Jensen as barrier-breaking Motormouth Maybelle. Michael Horejsi's colorful Pop-Art set pieces, James Craig's bright, brassy lighting, and especially Shannon McCullock's rainbow of costumes are a treat for the eye.

"Hairspray" will be around until the beginning of June, so take advantage of this opportunity to catch a very entertaining production of an iconic American musical. —

Is it charm? Is it poise?

The Grand Theatre presents "Hairspray."

When • Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. through June 3, with Saturday matinees at 2 p.m.

Where • Grand Theatre on the South High campus of Salt Lake Community College, 1575 S. State St., Salt Lake City

Tickets • $16 to $22 with discounts for students, seniors and groups; 801-957-3322 or grandtheatrecompany.com

Running time • 2 ½ hours (including an intermission)