Six Questions With HAIRSPRAY Star Brooklynn Pulver

Despite closing recently on Broadway, "Hairspray's" beat is nowhere near stopping. The critically lauded tour is still going strong and bringing a little of the swingin' sixties to Cleveland's Palace Theatre from February 6-8.

Based on the 1988 John Waters film of the same name, "Hairspray" tells the story of Tracy Turnblad's attempts to find her place within an ever-changing society during the '60s. The show deals with segregation, bigotry, love and life-all surrounding by big aerosol cans and lots and lots of dancing.

Brooklynn Pulver, who plays Tracy, has toured with "Hairspray" to places like China, Japan, Canada and throughout the United States. She has developed a huge fanbase, not just from "Hairspray", but also for her work in such productions as "Little Shop of Horrors" and "The Full Monty."

Pulver stopped by BroadwayWorld to answer six questions about the tour, Tracy and Japanese kimonos.

For a show set in the swingin' sixties that opened in 2002 and is based on a movie that is twenty years old, "Hairspray" continues to feel just as relevant as ever. Why do you think that is? 

The story of "Hairspray" is a timeless story of acceptance. Even though our country has been integrated for many years, we are still guilty of being prejudiced in our individual opinions.

This is a show about underdogs. Middle class, young, old, fat, skinny, black, white. You can relate to these characters.

What most touches you about Tracy's journey in the show?

Tracy is the perfect example of wearing your heart on your sleeve. She, like so many other young teenagers, sees the world as her oyster, with so many possibilities and an innocent simplicity.

There is a naivete that we lose as we "grow up." Tracy is not jaded by reality. 

What do you think happens to Tracy after the final curtain closes?

I don't think integrating the "Corny Collins Show" is her last fight to better the world. I think she feels plenty of heartache. But I see her being an activist, a mother, and a friend to many people she comes in contact with.

If you weren't an actor, what would you be?

I have worked retail for more years than I wish to recall, and I hate to admit that I am really good at it. I enjoy the business side of most things, and am really interested in exploring the business side of the performing arts.

If you would have asked me 5 years ago, I wouldn't even know what else I would do-but the truth is I wanna be a mommy.        

If you could play any other character in "Hairspray," who would it be?

I am so glad you asked-I would be FAF (the Female Authority Figure) in a hot second! I love multiple character roles, and FAF is a great one, not to mention hilarious. Watch out, Kate Feerick.

What's your weirdest fan encounter?

A lot enthusiastic fans update me about their personal lives regularly. To be quite honest, I don't want to be too specific, because I know they will read this. They have Google alerts. (laughs)

But, on the other hand, it is lovely to know that so many people feel comfortable enough to open up to me about their hardships, and that the story of Tracy gives them hope in their own lives. One fan in particular presented me with a beautiful Yukata (summer kimono) while in Japan. It did make me a little nervous that I would see her on the streets of Tokyo regularly. It's a pretty big city...

Tickets to "Hairspray" at Cleveland's Palace Theatre are still available at www.playhousesquare.com .

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