It’s time for everyone to don their swing dresses and tease their hair as they see the musical Hairspray.

Set in 1962 Baltimore, Tracy Turnblad becomes a star overnight when she joins The Corny Collins Show, a popular local dance program. Passionate about human equality, Tracy fights to integrate African-Americans on the show, as they’re only allowed on “Negro Day.”

“Tracy is the representation of every imperfect person in the world,” said senior Vanessa Adragna, who plays Turnblad. “She makes us realize we need to overcome our imperfections.”

Aside from big hair and flowing dresses, this show is groundbreaking in that it represents the first time in which people began dancing without partners. Directors and cast members promise upbeat dance numbers, vivacious sets and an overall explosion of excitement and color.

“We’re trying to push ourselves and try something that we haven’t done before,” technical director Dylan Henderson said. “That’s something you should always do in theatre: try something you’re a little uncomfortable with to see how much you can grow and learn. Expanding, growing and learning.”

As the show kicks into high-gear, cast members are already excited to see their final product.

“I think what everyone’s looking forward to doing is making the audience excited to watch the show,” junior Logan Fish said. “We’re excited to see the show altogether, and we’re excited to actually do all the dance numbers. The main cast is probably the best it’s ever been, and the sets this year are going to better than they have been ever before.”

Hours of practice for the last few weeks has helped the cast build strong relationships.

“Hairspray is just a way to get together and to show how everyone is connected in some sort of way,” sophomore Brandin Carrier said. “It shows the true connection between people, and I think this show is going to be the best one we’ve ever done.”

Hairspray hits the stage Jan. 24-26 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in the Commons before school, in the theatre office 5305 or from any student in the show.

“This show is big,” senior Eddie Vasquez said. “It’s colorful, it’s bright, it’s loud, it stands for something. The concept of the show is about getting rid of segregation and racism and things like that, and that message is powerful, and I think it’s the most different show we’ve ever done, it’s the biggest step we’ve taken to do a show like this.”