TURNERS FALLS — Theater may be a chance to be someone other than yourself, but for some, Great Falls Middle School and Turners Falls High School’s production of “Hairspray” hits close to home.

“Hairspray,” which debuts Friday, is all about learning to “accept yourself the way you are,” according to Director Kimberly Rose. The musical, while upbeat and comedic, also addresses subjects like racism, drag and body expectations that have not only permeated the social landscape nationwide, but have weighed heavily on the consciousness of those in the school community, cast and crew.

“The topics that are in the show are relative to now,” said special education teacher Julia Ellingboe, who plays Motormouth Maybelle, a Baltimore rhythm and blues radio DJ who hosts a monthly segment for Black dancers on “The Corny Collins Show.”

“Hairspray” originated as a 2002 Broadway musical before being adapted for the big screen as a musical romantic comedy in 2007. Set in Baltimore, Maryland in 1962, the story follows “pleasantly plump” teenager Tracy Turnblad as she chases dreams of being a dancer on a local TV show. During her journey, Turnblad befriends a group of Black dancers and rallies against racial segregation.

“We went on a field trip to see it this past October and I really liked it, especially the soundtrack and all the songs,” said freshman Khalifa Seck, who plays Seaweed, Maybelle’s son and a dancer who teaches Turnblad some moves.

“It’s very meaningful and it covers topics like racism and overcoming it,” said eighth grader Rae Juarbe, who plays three roles in the production.

Ellingboe, who identified as the only Black teacher at Turners Falls High School and Great Falls Middle School, said race issues are particularly relevant to the school district, given its relatively low population of Black students. Rose voiced gratitude that despite there being few Black students within the student body, the cast was able to manage ample representation.

“I wanted to get to know the other students of color because it’s lonely being the only person of color in the building,” Ellingboe noted.

Ellingboe, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, added that the cast and crew grew more invested in the plot’s significance after a “valuable discussion” that ensued in the wake of the Memphis police killing of Tyre Nichols in January.

Additionally, the inclusion of Edna Turnblad, who is traditionally portrayed by a drag queen, holds particular weight in the current moment due to Tennessee passing a bill to restrict public drag show performances earlier this month, Ellingboe continued. Rose said she made it a point to maintain this element of the show.

“It does feel really relevant to me since my state recently outlawed drag queens,” Ellingboe said.

Rose emphasized that “Hairspray,” while heavy in some ways, is “also a fun musical” at its core. She said the dancing is “outstanding” and the singing is cohesively “well put together.” Juarbe added that the colorful costumes and vibrant set pieces — all constructed by science and technology teacher Brian Lamore — really make the show pop.

“It’s been really fun to do this show and see things come together over time,” said senior Maddie LeBorgne, who plays Tracy Turnblad.

Showtimes for “Hairspray” are scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. at Turners Falls High School. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. There is also a “cast and crew parent special” where parents of cast or crew members can get two tickets for $25.

Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-930-4231 or jmendoza@recorder.com.

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