Hairspray (Two-Disc Shake & Shimmy Edition) [$34.98]

The year is 1962. The setting is Baltimore. Tracy Turnblatt (newcomer Nikki Blonsky) is a plus-sized teenage optimist who is out to solve the problem of racism with dance. Tracy is obsessed with The Corny Collins Show, a variety show that exasperates her mother Edna (John Travolta – playing role in drag originated by Divine in John Waters’ 1988 film of the same name). When the chance comes to be a performer on the show, Tracy jumps at it, and gets a spot on the program, winning everyone over with her moves and her heart. Everyone except, of course the villainous Von Tussells, mother Velma and daughter Amber (played by Michelle Pfeiffer and Brittney Snow, respectively). Director Adam Shankman colorfully updates Waters’ version, and the recent stage production in what will make a delightful gift for those of us who were not among the most popular in high school.