BENTON TOWNSHIP — A musical set in the 1960s in coming to a local college.

The Lake Michigan College Performing Arts Department will present the musical, “Hairspray” on The Mendel Center Mainstage, March 23 to 25.

“Hairspray” is a family-friendly musical derived from the John Waters’ 1998 film. It won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Performances will be 8 p.m. on Friday, March 23 and Saturday, March 24, and 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 25.

“Hairspray” is set in 1962 in Baltimore, and follows plus-size teen, Tracy Turnblad, who has only one desire — to dance on the popular “Corny Collins Show.” When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob, Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network.

“This play is full of fast-paced non-stop laughter, corny jokes, romance and famously infectious songs,” said Director and LMC Choral and Theatre Coordinator Paul Mow. “But at the center it tackles timely messages about racial injustice, gender inequality, generational conflicts, body image, and generally breaking free of the stereotypes that keep us from recognizing our self-worth.”

It’s is a big production compared with previous performances hosted by LMC’s Fine and Performing Arts department, and organizers hope to fill many of the Mainstage theater’s 1,500 seats. More than 50 students, employees and community members are in the cast, crew and orchestra.

“Our team has been passionately working on this larger-than-life musical since November. We’re ready to show everybody a great time,” Mow said.

The leads are played by Kacie Colleen Mercer as Tracy Turnblad, Andrew Glisson as Edna, Brett Lutz as Corny Collins, Leo Carmody as Link Larkin, and Kortney Moore as Miss Motormouth Maybelle.

Paul Mow is the stage director, Liz Coulston is the choreographer/co-director, Joshua Goines is rehearsal coach/music director, and LMC music director, John Owens is the orchestra/band director.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and students. LMC students are free with a current ID.

LMC performance and event information is available at TheMendelCenter.com or by calling The Mendel Center box office at (269) 927-8700.

Lake Michigan College’s Performing Arts faculty and staff are driven by the philosophy that the human experience is identified, expressed, and communicated through the performing arts. Whether a student’s goal is to major in theater or music or to enjoy the thrill of performing on stage, the performing arts department has a variety of classroom and performance opportunities available, according to staff members.

For more information about LMC’s theatre program and scholarship opportunities visit LakeMichiganCollege.edu/theatre or call (269) 927-8876.