From left, Owen Donahoe (sleeping in chair), Alex Fiscus and Kara Schrock recreate a scene from the upcoming Wawasee High School theater production of “Emma.” Standing is Rhett Coblentz.

SYRACUSE — The British are coming … in the form of American high school students. This will all come to light in the Wawasee High School production of “Emma,” which will be performed at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, and Saturday, Nov. 14.

“Emma” is based on a classic British novel by the well known author Jane Austen, who often wrote about the antics of British socialites. There was also a movie “Emma” starring Gwyneth Paltrow and the movie “Clueless” from the 1990s was based on “Emma.”

Amanda Wilson, WHS teacher and director of the play, said the time frame is roughly 1820s to 1840s in Great Britain. “It is a British novel of comedic manners and the polite society,” she said. “It is about young love and match making gone awry.”

Wilson noted the play was chosen for Wawasee because it is a good fit with the abilities of the students and there are several girls in the cast, which also fits well with the production.

Taking on a production based on a time frame more than 150 years ago has presented challenges. Students have had to learn how to waltz and do traditional group dancing styles so common in that era.

Juniors Alex Fiscus and Rhett Coblentz are lead characters. Fiscus is Emma Woodhouse and Coblentz is George Knightley. This is the fourth play at WHS Fiscus will appear in, and three of the four she has held lead roles. This will be the fifth play for Coblentz and the second in a lead role.

Fiscus said the time period is very different and it has been a challenge to learn to speak the older style English language. “It is 10 times more elegant and graceful and with the kind manners,” she added, speaking about the time period.

“We have to focus on being like them,” Coblentz noted, speaking of the etiquette involved.

Creating costumes was also a challenge as there were no costumes available from that time frame. But Wilson noted Deb Sweazy came to the rescue and made many of the costumes, as well as organizing and researching the sets to be used. “There will be a lot of what we call miniature music sets used,” Wilson said. “This play has a lot of singing and dancing in it.”

What should a viewer expect to see at “Emma?” It will be the classic high school play about the popular girl who thinks she knows how to put together good couples, Wilson commented. “It is about knowing real love and infatuation,” she added.

The play will be presented in the WHS Auditorium. For specific ticket information, call the school at (574) 457-3147.

Other cast members include Clara Hardy, Kara Schrock, Mercedes Winkelman, Owen Donahoe, Chris Flora, Ally Weaver, Brandon Phillips, Jade Davidson, Sophie Miller, Justin Winkelman, Genevieve Cierpilowski, Jonas Clayton, Laura Stump, Emily Jones, Gabby Fiscus, Jessica O’Donnell, Maddy Bradley, Alexandra DeLaughter, Lacey Helfers, Katie Mallory and Gynnae Hochstetler.