What was hairspray supposed to take place?

"Hairspray" is set in 1962 Baltimore, Maryland, during a time of significant social change. The story revolves around the character Tracy Turnblad, who dreams of dancing on a popular TV show while challenging societal norms around body image and racial integration. The musical highlights the cultural dynamics of the era, particularly the fight against segregation and the push for acceptance and inclusion in the face of prejudice.