Teen angst, race relations, singing, dancing and larger than life ‘dos can only mean one thing: “Hairspray” is coming to town.

Tabor Academy Drama and Music Departments are bringing John Waters’ musical to the stage Thursday, Feb. 19 to Saturday, Feb. 21.

Set in 1962, “Hairspray” centers on Tracy Turnblad, an overweight teen and unlikely candidate for the popular dance program, “The Corny Collins Show.”

With the dream of becoming Miss Hairspray, Tracy catches Corny’s eye at her high school dance.

Once on the show, however, she has to contend with mean girl Amber Von Tussle and her mother, Velma.

She also realizes there is something much bigger than becoming Miss Hairspray and leads a coup for racial equality on the show.

Zacch Bresilla’s character Seaweed helps to lead the charge for fair treatment.

“He’s the one trying to tell people black is beautiful,” said Bresilla, a sophomore from Boston.

The themes of the musical are poignant for sophomore Makelsey Page. Page plays Little Inez, Seaweed’s sister who is rejected from the show because she is African American.

“Since I’m such an advocate against racism, it wasn’t hard to jump in and play this role,” she said. “Especially since there are a lot of controversial issues right now, this will be an eye opening experience for some people.”

“Hairspray” mixes these issues with young love, upbeat music, choreography, and, of course, a few villains.

Elsie Sullivan plays Velma Von Tussle, a pushy helicopter mom and bigot to boot.

“She’s kind of the worst character. She’s really racist,” said Sullivan, a senior from Rochester.

But she admits, “It’s more fun to play the villain than to play the nice person.”

Students are also enjoying the flashy clothes and the music.

While sophomore Aurelia Reynolds, who plays Velma’s daughter Amber, calls her character “the meanest girl in the show,” she likes being on the stage with her peers.

“It’s a lot of fun learning all the songs and the choreography,” said Reynolds.

Snow days have given students less time to rehearse but they say they’ll be ready with wigs teased on opening night.

The production will be held in the Fireman Center for the Performing Arts in Hoyt Hall at 235 Front St. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19 to 21 with tickets available for $10 at the door.