Even Haylie Duff can't flatten 'Hairspray'

The producers of "Hairspray" have developed a casting trend that makes a somewhat successful marriage of pop culture and musical theater: Place young television actors and singers in their shows, but only in small supporting roles. That way, younger audiences are successfully marketed, but the young stars–should they turn out to not be very good–cannot have a devastating artistic impact on the show. The seats remain filled, but theater purists are not offended and everyone goes home happy.

By Matt Windman

August 31, 2006