For anyone who has ever felt out of place or treated unfairly, this year’s Ironton High School musical production is likely to resonate with them.

This weekend more than 80 students in cast and crew will put on the Broadway musical “Hairspray,” with three performance times — 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

Kathy Price, musical director, said auditions were held after the students returned from Christmas break and rehearsals were nearly every day.

“It’s a huge play,” Price said. “There is a lot of singing.”

The Broadway production of “Hairspray” is based on the 1988 film of the same name. It features character Tracy Turnblad who dreams to dance on “The Corny Collins Show,” a local TV dance program.

Price said Turnblad fights discrimination throughout the production.

“Any kind of kids that are different, Tracy is fighting to make sure everyone has fair and equal treatment,” Price said. “The show is about her winning over friends and people that see meets to her side.”

This week, the cast and crew put on matinee performances for the students.

“Everybody is really enjoying it and having a good time with it,” Price said.

Despite the upbeat tempo of the musical, the production wasn’t an easy one. But thanks to the cast and crew, the show came together.

“I feel so blessed to work with these kids,” Price said. “I was very discouraged last weekend. I just didn’t know if we were going to be able to mount this production. And I expressed my reservations to the kids and they have stepped up and really brought this show up many, many notches. I am very proud.”

In addition to the students, adult volunteers are performing in the orchestra, led by Will Smith, band director. Patty Freeman, physical education teacher, has also taken on the role of assistant director.

“Everyone is covering a lot bases for me and for the kids,” Price said.

The cost of general admission is $7 and $4 for students. Reserved seat tickets are also available for $12.50.

“It’s an upbeat show that is fun,” Price said. “It will have you tapping your foot the whole time you’re watching it. It’s just an enjoyable experience.”