Stranded orphans on a beach, policemen on the chase, and pirates swinging into the scene on ropes, the Viking Theater Company's performance of the "Pirates of Penzance" promises to be comedic and universal, said Don Bliss, director of the play.

"Wareham High School is very unique in bringing a lot of physical comedy in our plays," said Bliss. "It's definitely going to be entertaining and audience members should just brace themselves for the comedy behind the play."

"Pirates of Penzance" takes place during the Victorian era and features women dressed in frothy gowns and pirates clothed in skull-and-bones attire.

Though the clothing and characters may be old-fashioned, the play and its message is just as current as ever, said Bliss.

"A lot of schools do contemporary shows because their goal is to attract large audiences," said Bliss. "I pick things in terms of … the value of educating the students through its basic message."

Bliss explained that the main character of the play is "accidentally" indentured to a pirate but meets a woman after his pirate ship lands on a beach.

The character, Frederic, falls in love, and is faced with a choice.

"Am I a slave to duty, what is the value of my word, what is the value of pursuing my happiness? These are important constructs for young people to consider," said Bliss.

The Viking Theater Company wrapped up performances of the fall play, "Macbeth," in mid-March, said Publicist and Wareham High School freshman Quinn Staley, giving the students a period of a month-and-a-half to prepare for their spring play.

The just-under 50 actors and actresses of the Viking Theater Company are not intimidated by the short time for preparation.

"We're pretty used to working under time crunches," said Staley, "and I think we'll be OK because of all the rehearsals coming up."

The Company has been working under a "professional schedule," said Bliss, which means that the students memorize their parts on their own and practice them during rehearsals with the rest of the group.

It is part of the strong work ethic and passion that the teens are bringing to the performance, said Bliss.

"It's about taking that curtain call," he said. "Not too many kids have that opportunity to lay claim to that kind of achievement."

The "Pirates of Penzance," the annual spring musical of the Viking Theater Company of Wareham High School, will be performed on May 10, 11, and 12 at 7 p.m. in the Wareham High School auditorium.