Tracy Turnblad - A pleasantly plump teenager with a big heart who has dreams of being a dancing star ... as soon as she's out of detention for her big hair. Tracy isn't afraid to be herself and stand up for what she believes in. She must be friendly, relentless, and goodhearted with a vibrant, lovable personality and love to sing and dance. Tracy is on stage for a most of the show so she must have stamina and talent. Mezzo-Belt.
Edna Turnblad - Tracy's kind, plus-sized mother; runs a laundry business out of her home but hasn't been out in a while. This is a drag role which requires a strong comic male performer who is ready for his inner woman to take the spotlight. Edna is not a man pretending to be a woman, she is all woman! Just, you know, with a distinctive voice. Tenor.
Wilbur Turnblad - Tracy's goofy father, who owns the Har-De-Har Hut joke shop and is still madly in love with his wife, Edna. He encourages Tracy to follow her dreams. Baritone.
Corny Collins - The exciting, confident, dancing and singing host of his own TV dance show. Corny is in favor of Tracy and racial integration. Tenor.
Penny Pingleton - Tracy's slightly dorky, but lovable best friend who is often by her side (when not grounded for life by her mother, Prudy). Falls head over heels for Seaweed. Belt.
Amber von Tussle - The bratty, selfish resident princess of The Corny Collins Show. Her mother's daughter through and through, she is willing to do anything to win the Miss Teenage Hairspray pageant.. Belt.
Velma von Tussle - Amber's attractive but overbearing mother who pushes her daughter to seek stardom. Velma is the scheming producer of The Corny Collins Show who tries to steer it in the white direction. Her sensitivities are offended at the very sight of Tracy. A great villainess role. Belt.
Link Larkin - Teenage heartthrob, aspiring young Elvis, and male lead dancer on The Corny Collins Show. Falls in love with Tracy (Amber is soooo jealous!). Baritone.
Seaweed J. Stubbs - Motormouth Maybelle's son and a talented dancer on The Corny Collins Show, but only allowed on Negro Day. Ends up in detention with Tracy. Falls in love with Penny. Tenor.
Motormouth Maybelle - the sassy Corny Collins Negro Day DJ. Owner of a record store and mother to Seaweed and Little Inez. Plus-sized, she helps Edna find pride in herself.Big, blonde, beautiful and proud of it. She is sassy and confident. Soulful Alto.
Little Inez - Seaweed's little sister and just as talented a dancer. Tries to audition for The Corny Collins Show but is turned away because she is black by Velma. Performs in 3+ numbers including Run And Tell That. Belt. Stage Age: 13-15
The Dynamites - Judine, Kamilah, and Shayna - Talented black vocal trio a la The Supremes. Featured in many numbers together and usually in tight harmony. May double for other ensemble roles like 'Cindy Watkins,' etc. Stage Age: 25+
Council Members/ Nicest Kids In Town-
Tammy, Brad, Fender, Brenda, Sketch, Shelley, IQ, Lou Ann - Dancers and singers on The Corny Collins Show.
Motormouth Maybelle Kid's - Gilbert, Duane, Lorraine, Stooie, Thad and others - Kids we find in detention, in Motormouth Maybelle's record shop, and on her show. Also act as protestors.
Prudy Pingleton- Penny's uptight mother. Funny Character part.
Gym Teacher- the sadistic female gym teacher. Funny character part.
Matron- prison matron. Funny character part.
Harriman F. Spritzer- President of Ultra Clutch cosmetics, Corny Collins show sponsor.
School Principle- the high-blood pressure principal of Tracy's school. Funny character part.
Mr. Pinky- owner of a plus-sized dress shop. Funny character part.
Ensemble- All types of performers with high energy who love to sing and dance to play students, protesters and council members.
