Hairspray has had a lasting successful run with the hearts of Americans. First with the original comedy-drama-political John Waters version that starred actress/talk show host Ricky Lake; later weaving its way into a Broadway play and now into an all new film; Hairspray 2007 is no were near its predecessor. Told through the eyes of 17 year old character Tracy Turnblad, newcomer Nikki Blonsky and High School Musical famed Zac Efron talk about the set, long work hours and the change of Hollywood image.

Adam Shankman said you were really great to work with. The fact that you were in a starring role really had people stepping up to the plate. What was your experience like making this film?

Nicole Blonsky: My favorite part was playing Tracy and bringing her message to life. There is no better message than acceptance for everybody. For me getting to play Tracy is really the most important part for me and getting to work with this incredible cast.

What did you do to really grasp the character you were set to play?

Zac Efron: That was one of things… I never played a preconceived character. I definitely felt I wanted to stay true to the character but at the same time every actor likes to bring their own spice into everything. 

Nikki Blonsky: I really wanted to make Tracy real and relatable. Not for the 60s but for 2007. The main key is making her available for people to understand.

You have a favorite scene in the movie?

Nikki Blonsky: My favorite scene has to be with Christopher Walken when I’m sitting on his lap. That reminds me of my real dad. My dad and I are real close. He is one of my best friends. It reminded me of all the times I used to sit on my dad’s lap. It was really an honor and a privilege for me to get to know him on that level.

What were work days like on this film?

Zac Efron: it depends on what we were doing…

Nikki Blonsky: Yeah…

Zac Efron: Surprisingly enough the dance numbers we flew through because we rehearsed enough.

Nikki Blonsky: For me I worked 64 out of 66 work days. So for me I was working about 15 to 18 hours a day because when I wouldn’t be shooting, I’d be rehearsing or in the studio recording. Actually we all were.

You said that you wanted to bring this into the present for people. What do you think the differences are in the original version vs. this version?

Nikki Blonsky: I think we’ve come so far in history but we still have so far to go with acceptance of other people. Unfortunately today people still deal with a lot of the issues of not being accepted for who they are. I think for me it was important to show the world… all they see is the stereotypical portrayal of a Hollywood star and they only think that it’s only possible to be a star if you look this way or act this way. I want to prove to them that you can be who you are, you can be proud of whom you are and they can come true. Self-love and self-acceptance is good. 

Zac Efron: Absolutely for myself, I tend to go for the girls like Tracy. It’s great that Hairspray can relay these messages through music. You don’t have to be that talk, skinny perfect blonde in Hollywood. It’s about how fun of a person you are.  

Did you get a chance to speak to Ricky Lake? 

Nikki Blonsky: I met her through the later part of the film. Rather than give me advice on how to play the part, Ricky said play it your own and do your own thing. She shared experiences that she had while making the first movie. Hearing what it did for her career really added inspiration.

Do you anticipate stereotypes from Hollywood because of this film and how they look at people? 

Nikki Blonsky: I think I would make things difficult for myself if I let there be. I am a big believer in you create your own destiny. The bottom line is I look at the stereotypes and then I look at people like Queen Latifah who gets casted in movies because of her character. At the end of the day it’s about the performance. People don’t come away from the movie thinking about… ‘Oh they looked beautiful while playing the role’. It’s not about what you looked like it’s about how you played it. I’m going to let my talent shine through and work my hardest.

Hairspray stands to be a financially successful film for the summer. How do you go from this to something smaller? Are you up for that? 

Zac Efron: I think we are so lucky to do this film. This is a dream come true. The days on set are so much fun. It’s a stretch for me to call it work. Budget doesn’t matter. 

Nikki, you’re a New Yorker. I imagine you were asked for a lot of tickets. What’s it like to come back to the city like a star?

Nikki Blonsky: New York is my home town. I was nervous about it. Being a New Yorker were are some of the toughest crowd. But if you win us over we are a good crowd. So I knew that it was going to be a challenge to premiere here. But it was fun too cause our movie passed a great message.