BALTIMORE (Map, News) - John Waters, the director and writer of “Hairspray,” expressed disappointment after the announcement that the musical version of his cult classic movie would be filmed in Toronto. Although the movie will be missing the signature Baltimore backdrops that define his original work, Waters said the city still will be present in the new production.

“Baltimore will still be a character in the movie, just a stylized character,” he said.

Waters said shooting the movie in Toronto was not just a matter of economics but Baltimore’s lack of facilities.

“I think the lack of sound stage was one factor,” Waters said, referring to reports that producers needed large sound stages to film the musical numbers. Waters said losing “Hairspray” is another example of why the Maryland Film Office needs more resources to lure productions.

“If it wasn’t for the hurricane, they might have filmed in New Orleans,” Waters said, referring to generous subsidies Louisiana offers filmmakers.

The movie, slated to start filming in September, stars John Travolta as Edna Turnblad, Michelle Pfeiffer as Vilma Van Tussle and Queen Latifah as Motormouth Maybelle. Waters said that he likes the script, and that he took an active role in convincing Travolta to play Turnblad.

“I wrote him a letter, though I never spoke to him personally,” he said.

sjanis@baltimoreexaminer.com