Photos by Jessica Palopoli
Few musicals radiate joy as unapologetically as the mega-hit musical Hairspray, which gleefully takes the San Francisco Playhouse stage this summer, starting performances July 10, 2026.
Featuring Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman’s upbeat tunes including “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” “Welcome to the 60’s,” and “Good Morning, Baltimore,” along with big bouffant hairdos, colorful costumes, groovy dancing, and exuberant energy, Hairspray is often remembered as a feel-good celebration of change. Variety lauded its “infectious jubilation,” and San Francisco Chronicle deemed the original Broadway tour: “Irresistible. A winner. A joyfully syncopated celebration.”
At its emotional core, however, Hairspray also tells a story of visibility, belonging, and embracing your truest self. This story has deeply resonated with the queer community since its inspiration first hit the screen: the cult-classic film of the same name created by gay icon John Waters and starring Waters alongside drag diva Divine and LGBTQIA+ advocate Ricki Lake. Though set in 1962 during the Civil Rights Movement, Hairspray remains apropos for our moment.
San Francisco Playhouse Artistic Director Bill English, who directs the Broadway musical hit, agrees. “In an era marked by polarization, Hairspray becomes more than a feel-good musical. It’s a defiant, joyful call to resistance, where dancing is protest and inclusion is revolutionary.”
Queer actor Ella Ruth Francis stars as Tracy Turnblad, a plus-sized teen who shakes up the system when she gets to dance on her favorite television show and inspires a movement that changes the face of television forever.
“I’m excited to tell a story that is so fiercely body positive in a time when GLP-1s are flooding social media,” said Ella Ruth Francis. “I am so happy to be a plus-size body onstage and show that you can be bigger as well as desirable, healthy, and a dancer.”
Raised by two gay dads and two lesbian moms, San Francisco native Francis returns to her hometown to make her Playhouse debut in this role. She grew up attending productions at San Francisco Playhouse; among her favorites was Camelot, also directed by Bill English.
Queer nonbinary actor Jonathan Chisolm additionally makes their Playhouse debut as Tracy’s mom, Edna, leaning into their femme energy while embracing this maternal role. Looking forward to performing in the city where queer liberation began, Chisolm has long been an admirer of the musical.
“Hairspray strikes a balance between making you laugh and making you think, all while simultaneously entertaining you and making you want to dance in the aisles!” said Chisolm.
Francis and Chisolm are joined by a talented cast to bring this story to life, including Trevor March, Jeffrey Brian Adams, Samantha Rich, Jordan Covington, Ken Brill, Mackenzie Macdonald, Alison Ewing, Jeannine Anderson, Rebecca Pingree, David Boyll, Sanaiya Johnson, Suleika Onia Patton, Kareem Jenkins, Kaila Dyson, Anese Jade, Cai Rodis, Sierra Bolar, Matt Letton, Gwen Tessman, and Hunter Yocom. Phaedra Tillery-Boughton serves as associate director, Dave Dobrusky as musical director, and Phoenyx Rose as choreographer.
Hairspray performs July 10–September 12, 2026, at San Francisco Playhouse, 450 Street, San Francisco. Tickets are available online (https://sfplayhouse.org/) or by calling the box office at 415-677-9596
Arts & Entertainment
Published on June 25, 2026
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