Hang On To Your Hairspray....and a Contest!!

I love my 6-year-old. She's an awesome, awesome kid but when it comes to our interests, we have little in common. I like The Office, and she likes The Suite Life of Zack and Cody. I rock out to the stylings of Damien Rice and Pedro the Lion, and she rocks out to High School Musical and Hannah Montana.

But when the delivery guy from Alliance Films showed up with an advance copy of the new 2-disc "Shake and Shimmy Edition" Hairspray DVD, I am not sure which of us was more excited.

(I'm pretty sure it was me. but it could have easily been her.)

(the DVD will be released to all of you folks on Tuesday. I highly recommend picking up a copy for yourself. I also highly recommend you enter urbanmoms.ca's Hairspray contest, courtesy of our good friends over at Alliance Films.)

And she was actually JEALOUS of me this morning. Not many 6-year-olds are jealous of their moms. But, then again, not many 6-year-old's moms get to spend their mornings interviewing Adam Shankman and Elijah Kelley.

I would hardly call it an interview, though. I sat and talked with Adam and Elijah like we were old friends; like they are guys I would hang out with in my real life; like guys I would go bowling with to celebrate Adam's 43rd birthday next week. I feel like I can call them by their first names, now that I know what kind of underwear they wear.

(I know you're dying to know. Adam wears boxers, while Elijah wears boxer briefs)

And why would we stop at underwear when we could discuss both hair and tight clothing? It only makes sense, since Hairspray truly is a story of big hair meets big dreams. I figured that the entire press circuit was likely asking about the big dreams part, so I figured I'd go the road less travelled, the more refreshing angle.

"I had been growing my hair for the role, but man, I didn't know I was going to have to get a, erm, process done," Elijah said. Not only did he have to get permed up for the role, but he had to get an extra "wiff" of hair put on the front. He can now appreciate what some women have to go through. But not the women of Hairspray, because they got to wear wigs.

(courtesy of Alliance Films)

Adam says that when it came to recreating the styles and the look of the 1960's, they went through hundreds and hundreds of magazines from that time period. They also searched through high school yearbooks from that era and that area, aka Baltimore. They nailed the look, much to Mr. Kelley's dismay. He didn't enjoy the hair, and he also didn't like the pants that were too tight.

(I assured him that the Urban Moms enjoyed the tights pants just fine.)

This version of Hairspray is not a remake of the John Waters' 1988 original movie, nor is it a remake of the stage production, but a re-invention of the two. It fuses together many elements of each. When I asked Adam what John Waters thought of the film, he was happy to report that Mr. Waters loved it! He even went as far as to leave a message on Adam's machine saying, "You've made me the happiest grandfather!" It is only now, hours after the interview, that I get the grandfather joke. and it's funny.

I talked a little bit with both men about the star-studded cast. I mean, seriously, John Travolta, Christopher Walken, Michelle Pfeiffer, Queen Latifah...and that's just the older set. There's also the likes of Zac Efron, Amanda Bynes, Brittany Snow.

When I asked Elijah who he was most excited and most intimidated to meet, he gave me the PC answer of "everyone." However, upon further probing, he assured me that Chris Walken was as non-verbal and creepy and fascinating in real life. He also mentioned he was excited to meet Dana (that's Queen Latifah to those of you who aren't in the know...).

Watching the Hairspray DVD was certainly good times for me and my daughter. The movie is fantastic. The colors and sets were literally glowing. The musical numbers were beautifully choreographed (by my new best friend Adam Shankman). The story was funny, and touching, and envelope-pushing. The veteran celebrities shined in their roles (even John Travolta, who had BIG shoes to fill as Tracy's mother Edna Turnblad) and the newcomers didn't miss a beat.

And it most certainly was good times at the Park Hyatt this morning.

Elijah told us of his love of older women (you hear that ladies?!?!!!). I even got it on film...

and Adam told us of his disdain for elective c-sections and how they are unnatural. and that was the point where I'm pretty sure I mentioned something about women squatting in fields to give birth. (what. on. earth.) but I had both men in hysterics...so I guess that was positive.

I got Elijah to say "I'm a little bit uncomfortable right now. but in a good way." because he didn't realize how awesome we moms are. (also, i mentioned being nervous about the girls popping out during the interview. yes, THOSE girls)

and yes, people, I did ask Adam Shankman your #1 question - "Let's talk about So You Think You Can Dance..." Adam had a great time on the show, and had no idea how much of an impact him being on the show would have on people. It has now made him a household name, which, as he says, "was so timely because of Hairspray." And while he loved being a guest judge, he had a hard time when it came to the eliminations. He didn't like having to be the bad guy and send people packing. So, right after the show, he went upstairs and got them agents!!

Up next for the boys include an album for Elijah and an Adam Sandler movie for Adam. And if he decides to make a sequel to Hairspray, i hope that Adam Shankman will look my way. I may have lousy photoshop skillz, but I'm sure I could rock a 1960's updo like no one can.

Comments

[jon spender]

i think its good but your hook could be better, i just didn't feel compelled to finish reading it.

[amreen]

ali, that looked like so much fun, and you look lovely in the pics! looks like the boys were a little giddy to meet YOU!!

[Beck]

OH MY GOSH, you did great.

[FENICLE]

You rock!!! And you looked fabulous doing it!!!

[Kelly]

We loved that movie! I am going to have to head over and enter that contest!

[ali]

Chris...they loved the question!!! i KNOW you meant it as a joke...but it was perfect!

[Sparky Duck]

well this is certainly not as dirty as I hoped

[Chris Cactus]

Sweet lord...the boxers vs briefs suggestion was a JOKE! ;)

[lisa b]

wow Ali that sounds like so much fun.

[jasmine]

Good job there Ali! I'm not a musical fan...at all... but you got me kinda wanting to see it!

[Jenny]

Aww thats cute. :)

[Giblet]

Great review & interview.
You even kept this urban dad reading until the end.

[Dikla]

I wasn't going to get the DVD, but ater reading your article I am totally reconsidering. I think my 7 year old will love to have it!!!
Really good job!

[haley-o]

I LOVE Christopher Walken. And, I'm SO happy to hear he's just as wacky in real life. LOVE. I think he's someone I'd like to have dinner with, come to think of it.... Is that weird? LOVE that you posted a vid - gives us a feel of your experience! AWESOME! GREAT GREAT GREAT interview. Way to REPRESENT us urbans! LOVE! xoxo!!

[mamatulip]

You look FANTASTIC! Great interview, Ali!

[~JJ!]

You are so awesome Ali!

Great stuff.

[sarah]

Cool .. great job Ali!

I'm in hysterics .. "squatting in fields". "Girls popping out". Man, that must have been a fun interview for THEM!

Did you get more on video?

[Jen Maier]

Hooray for you! Looks like fun. Hey...and there's my best girl Tova!!

[bella]

Hey girl. You did great. I totally see you in a job like this.

[SciFi Dad]

That was an awesome interview, Ali. You really did an excellent job with it.

I like neither musicals nor the concept of the DVD, yet it kept me interested. Good for you.