In the city of Baltimore, Md., times are changing from the strict ’50s to the fast-paced ’60s. Dancing is big, and hair is even bigger: this is “Hairspray.”

Tracy Turnblad, the principle character in the show, has “big hair and an even bigger heart,” according to the Broadway show’s Web site. She loves to dance and manages to land a spot on the local teen dance show. From there, Tracy falls in love with teen heartthrob Link Larkin and becomes a local celebrity.

Despite all this, Baltimore is not perfect as the city struggles with issues of racism and equal rights. When racism becomes an issue on Tracy’s show, in her school and in her life, she begins to realize the lack of equality people feel in her town.

In the end, Tracy learns to overcome these obstacles and unites the TV show and the majority of Baltimore.

Originally a movie, “Hairspray” was first released in 1988 and was written and directed by John Waters. Waters, originally from Baltimore, based the story in the city because he dubbed it “the Hairdo Capital of the World,” according to the show’s Web site.

The movie starred several celebrities of the late ’80s, including Ricki Lake, Deborah Harry, Sonny Bono and Jerry Stiller.

“Hairspray” did not become a Broadway show until 2002. The show has played continuously on Broadway the past five years and has featured cast members such as Ashley Parker Angel, Paul Vogt from “Mad TV” and Lance Bass.

In addition to its time on Broadway, “Hairspray” has won eight Tony Awards including “Best Musical” and “Best Original Score.”

2007 brought a revival of “Hairspray” with another musical movie. This high-budget film earned millions in theaters and starred John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Michelle Pfeiffer, Amanda Bynes, Christopher Walken and Zach Efron.

One of the most unique quirks of “Hairspray” is the role of Tracy’s mother, Edna Turnblad. Edna has been played by men in all Broadway productions, as well as the original and recently released movies.

In the original 1988 movie, drag queen Divine played Tracy’s agoraphobic mother. The 2007 movie featured well-known actor John Travolta as the exceedingly padded mother.

Another memorable character in “Hairspray” is teen dreamboat Link Larkin. Link, the star of the television dance show and the local stud of Baltimore, doesn’t know what to think of Tracy at first. But after getting to know Tracy, Link falls in love with the curvaceous starlet.

Constantine Rousouli plays Link in the national tour of “Hairspray.” Raised in New Jersey, the 19-year-old began his acting career in high school as Conrad Birdie in “Bye, Bye Birdie.”

The “Hairspray” tour this performs in 96 cities, and the show in Ames is Rousouli’s national tour debut. AMUSE was lucky enough to score an interview with the stage actor.

As for being considered a heartthrob, a Justin Timberlake of the ’60s: “It’s a wonderful part to play. All the screaming girls are great,” Rousouli said.

AMUSE: How do you and the castmates get along?

Constantine Rousouli: We’re like one huge family. They’re fantastic to work with, and we all get along great.

AMUSE: Since the Broadway show has been running since 2002, what pressure do you feel to keep the show entertaining?

CR: Well, the creative team that produces the Broadway show does the national tour, so the show is pretty much the same or better. I don’t feel any pressure to compete with the Broadway show.

I have some friends in the Broadway show who started out in the national tour and moved up.

AMUSE: Since the movie was released this year, what do you think drives audiences to see the musical instead of the renting the movie?

CR: I think the movie has made “Hairspray” even bigger by putting it back into the public’s eye. The movie has given the show an even bigger audience because people see the movie and want to experience the show.

AMUSE: What theatrical elements of the show make it different from the movie?

CR: The live show is much more entertaining and in-your-face than sitting and watching actors on a screen.

AMUSE: How do you see the social issues of the ’60s that are addressed in your show affecting audiences today?

CR: The show gives off a wonderful message at the end. It tells the truth to young people like, “Hey, this is what happened.” “Hairspray” shows we’re all equal, we’re all one.

AMUSE: Exactly how much time do you spend in makeup?

CR: I don’t spend any time in makeup, hardly. However, hair is another story – that takes me a good 25 minutes. I have to comb my hair really big and then gel it. After that, I have to put the microphone through my hair. I have to make sure nothing’s moved after that, otherwise I have to fix it.

AMUSE: What is your favorite song in “Hairspray?

CR: “Without Love.” It still gets me every time I hear it.

AMUSE: What has been your “the show must go on” moment? Where something embarrassing has happened and you couldn’t leave the stage?

CR: One time I was dancing and split my pants down the middle. It wouldn’t have been bad since I have to wear shorts under the pants for quick costume changes, but those split too. So I had to keep running around and dancing, but I also had to try to change the blocking so the audience didn’t see my bare butt.

But that’s part of the show. being able to think on your feet, I guess.

What: “Hairspray”

Where: Stephens Auditorium

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30. Cost: Tickets are $20 for students and $42.50 or $46.50 for adults.