Our school’s latest theatrical endeavor, “Hairspray” is a great show filled with fun tunes and humor, but it also packs an important message.

“It’s definitely a show about acceptance,” Mason Welch, who plays the lead role of Link Larkin, commented.

The musical was inspired by the 1988 film, which led to a 2007 remake. “Hairspray” follows the plus-sized Tracy Turnblad as she deals with the racial discrimination issues of the ‘60s and tries to achieve her dream of dancing on her favorite TV show, the Corny Collins Show.

“’Hairspray’ is a cool show because it defines what was going on during that time and gets that message across while still keeping [the show] light and funny,” said Lester Nnagbo, who is playing Seaweed J. Stubbs.

The musical’s tone, while very comical, also carries a lot of emotional weight for some, as its characters deal with bias about their physical appearance. Much of the plot deals with Tracy’s attempts to become a cast member on a local dancing show, much to the dismay of the appearance-obsessed producer whose daughter is the star. When Tracy befriends a group of African-American kids who have the same problem due to their skin-color, the battle on segregation begins.

Serious material aside, the show promises to be entertaining for all ages. Cast member Bella Weems said “There’s a lot of cool dancing, and it’s a very energetic show”.

“It’s going to be a really great show, there’s a lot of talented people,” Nnagbo said, “It’s definitely worth it”. For a night of laughs, music, and dancing, make sure to catch ‘Hairspray’.