Opinion: Awareness lacking in Showbiz's choice of HairsprayIngenious Media A Kiwi version of the US stage show has been slammed for its predominantly white cast. READ MORE:* Race row erupts over Christchurch performance of musical Hairspray* Hairspray reviewAs an independent critic, Harrington's comments represented an individual perception of the casting. The stage musical – based on the 1988 John Waters' film – carries an underlying theme of discrimination and integration in 1960's America. Supplied African American characters in the Christchurch production of Hairspray are played by actors of many different ethnicities, including Maori, Korean and Filipino. For all its bouncy music and lyrics, it's a stage musical bearing a message.

Source: Stuff June 19, 2016 22:45 UTC