Something big, bold and beautiful is coming to Happy Valley.

Produced by NETworks presentations, Hairspray will begin tomorrow at 8 p.m. and continue through the weekend with matinee performances at 2 p.m. as well as nightly performances Saturday and Sunday.

"In this show, everything's big," Laura Sullivan, marketing and communications director of the Eisenhower Auditorium, said.

Hairspray tells the story of 1960's Baltimore teenager Tracy Turnblad, who has a passion for dance. Luck wins her a spot on local TV program The Corny Collins Show, and Tracy quickly becomes a teen superstar. The big-haired, bold-hearted star is soon battling against the TV show's reigning celebrity, all the while trying to win the heart of her crush without "denting her 'do."

The musical is based on a 1988 film written by John Waters, who eventually became the creative consultant and mastermind behind the fun-filled musical that has toured nation-wide.

Hairspray opened on Aug. 15, 2002 at Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre and hit Broadway only two months later.

Currently in its fifth year of running, the musical has gotten high praise, including a Tony Award for best musical, New York Drama Critics' Circle best musical and even a Grammy in 2002 for Best Musical Show Album.

Sullivan and her colleagues attend The League of Theatre and Producers annually to preview musicals and get them to perform in the area. This is the same group that produces the Tony Awards every year.

"It's really a lot of fun, but still a tough job," Sullivan said about the perks of previewing musicals. "People will be walking out [of Hairspray] humming tunes and truly believing in happy endings."

Dan Ferretti, who plays Tracy's father, Wilbur Turblad, agrees with Sullivan's prediction. He said the audience may even dance in the aisles.

Ferretti has been a professional actor based out of Chicago for the past 20 years. When asked to describe his experience with Hairspray in one word, he replied "fulfilling."

"[Fullfilling] on a few levels. It's a great role, and a great show," Ferretti said. "I get to bring joy to people every night. I walk off the stage feeling as energized as the audience does."

What the public may not know about the show is that through the dance, drama and fun that the musical displays, there's a lesson to be learned.

"There's a good message," Ferretti said. "We teach [Tracy] that anything is possible. We allow her to dream, and never discriminate. I see my own father in [Wilbur]. He was happy-go-lucky, non-discriminating and joked around a lot."

A performance for families and students alike, tickets are still available for all shows.

"After the first shows, we hope people will spread the word," Sullivan said about ticket sales. "There are sometimes repeat-attenders who really love Broadway musicals and come again to another show."