Port Townsend High School’s drama program is going a bit off the beaten path with its spring production by staging a contemporary adaptation of a classic comedy by the 17th century French playwright Molière.

Chris Pierson, director of the PTHS Players, promised their May adaptation of “The Imaginary Invalid” would be “fast-paced” and “hilarious,” with “a modern edge,” musical elements and “a talented student cast ready to entertain.”

Pierson explained that the play centers around Argan, “a rich, goofy guy” who’s been convinced by opportunistic doctors that he’s seriously ill.

“In a misguided attempt to secure lifetime medical care, and perhaps save a few bucks, he tries to marry off his daughter to a doctor,” Pierson said. “Chaos, romance and plenty of ridiculousness ensue.”

Pierson described Molière as a comic writer whose characters are “a lot like Shakespeare’s clowns.” He noted that the PTHS Players’ production of “The Imaginary Invalid” also features original music and has been adapted for modern audiences, so it “offers lots of unexpected fun.”

With original songs, dancing, slapstick moments and “a cast of characters bursting with energy, the production has been both rewarding and challenging,” Pierson said. “Music, dance and the physical staging of the show have all pushed us, but this cast is fully up to the task.”

Among those cast members, Pierson touted senior Zoe Pruden, who plays the role of Toinette, whom he described as “the sharp-witted servant and sarcastic voice of reason.”

Pruden herself found it difficult to connect with Toinette’s character initially.

“She’s super blunt and sarcastic, and that can come off as mean, if you’re not careful,” Pruden said. “But once I found her rhythm and emotional depth, I started having a lot of fun with the role. There’s even some ad-libbing involved now, which makes it feel more natural.”

Pruden and Pierson also agree that this production is notable for the makeup of its cast.

“It’s about 50/50 seniors and freshmen,” Pruden said. “That creates this really fun dynamic onstage, especially since we have romantic pairings across those grade levels, which is as awkward as it sounds, but also hilarious.”

The actor and director likewise see the production’s musical component as adding to its excitement.

“It’s not a full musical, but there are intro songs, outros and even a few solo moments,” Pruden said. “It’s been awesome to blend acting and singing in a way that isn’t full-on musical theater, but still lets us show off our vocal chops.”

“The Imaginary Invalid” marks Pruden’s final performance at PTHS, so the experience feels especially meaningful to her.

“I’ve been part of almost every production during my four years here,” Pruden said. “To finish with a lead role, in such a fun and ridiculous show, feels incredibly gratifying.”

Pierson expressed pride in all of the students, not just for their performances, but for their leadership and resilience.

“This is a really special group,” Pierson said. “They’ve helped rebuild the drama program since COVID, and they’re hungry to perform. The support from staff, administration, and the community has made this second full-scale show of the year possible.”

Pierson promised audiences could expect performances “full of laughter, quirky characters, clever wordplay and energetic performances,” from a production “that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and invites the audience to lean in and laugh along.”

He concluded, “Come ready for physical comedy, witty banter and a cast that’s giving it their all. We’ve worked hard, and we’re excited to share it.”

What to know:

“The Imaginary Invalid,” starts at 7 p.m. on May 2, 3, 8 and 9, and at 2 p.m. on May 4 and 11, in the Port Townsend High School auditorium.