Divas, drag queens and disco scenes are set to take the stage this week at the Pittsburgh Playhouse’s Rauh Theatre. The REP Professional Theatre Company will open its 2016-17 season with the premiere of Tarell Alvin McCraney’s vibrant Off-Broadway play “Wig Out!”

Cassia Sakmar, marketing and public relations coordinator for the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University, said during a phone interview that this is the first time “Wig Out!” will be performed in Pittsburgh and the surrounding regions.

“[Wig Out!] is really an interesting exploration of the drag culture and also fits into the important themes that are relevant today in society with gender identity and stereotypes,” Sakmar said.

Set in an early time of HIV in the homosexual and drag culture, the show centers on the story of Eric, a gay man in New York City. Eric meets and falls head over heels in love with Wilson, otherwise known as Ms. Nina, a cross-dressing man who is a member of the House of Light. She introduces Eric to her world and to her family, just as they are being challenged at an upcoming drag ball.

“Wig Out!” is a show filled with lively characters that explores the meaning of home, family and love, while bringing to life the competitive and fierce world of the drag ball.

The show is filled with local talent, including some Point Park alum. Tomé Cousin, director of “Wig Out!” is a Point Park graduate himself. According to Sakmar, “Wig Out!” was a show that Cousin really connected with and found important to bring to light. Cousin claims the show is like nothing the audience has ever seen before.

“‘Wig Out!’ is a high voltage exploration into New York City’s underground Harlem Voguing Ball culture that is loaded with explosive characters, costumes, music and dance,” Cousin said in a press release.

Freshman musical theater major Elise Dorsey said shows like “Wig Out!” are important because a lot of people deal with issues that are shown throughout the show.

“This show will have an effect on someone, whether it helps them accept who they are or makes them question everything they think they know about this culture,” Dorsey said.

Sophomore dance major Brianne Sellars believes that making people aware of ongoing social issues is important.

“Not a lot of people in our generation are aware [of social issues], and it brings it to the surface that more people need to know about,” Sellars said.

The show is set to run Sept. 9-25 in the Rauh Theatre at the Pittsburgh Playhouse in Oakland.

Opening night will feature Miss Thea Trixx, a local drag queen, with a “Talk Before” starting at 6:15 p.m.

There will be a special ASL performance on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 2 p.m.

Tickets range from $10 to $29 and can be purchased by contacting the Pittsburgh Playhouse’s box office at 412-392-8000 or by visiting pittsburghplayhouse.com.