Some local high school drama departments select plays based on the morals and meanings of their stories. Directors use those story morals to teach extra-curricular life lessons.

The message behind the presentation of "Around the World in 80 Days" at Conestoga Valley High School (CVHS) is to appreciate the benefits of living in the present and cherishing the moment.

"Life isn't about how quickly you can reach your goals; it's more about your experiences and the person you become along the way," said Gabe Whitman, the director of CVHS' fall play. "It's about the friendships we have and learning we can grow out of the process. Students focus so much on what's next that they sometimes lose focus on the journey to get there. They should slow down and enjoy it. They should be looking at how they get there."

CVHS' drama department will present "Around the World in 80 Days" during four upcoming performances inside the high school's auditorium at 2110 Horseshoe Road, Lancaster. The shows include a senior citizens performance at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12, and performances at 7 p.m. on both Friday, Nov. 13, and Saturday, Nov. 14, as well as at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 15.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at http://www.conestogavalley.org or in person on the days of the shows.

"Basically, there's a guy, Phileas Fogg, and he challenges that he can make it around the world in 80 days or less," said Whitman. "In that time period, there are no planes. He makes a bet and then takes on the challenge. Throughout the journey, there are a lot of hiccups and bumps in the road. But he has a solution for every problem that comes along."

CVHS' performance of "Around the World in 80 Days" is two acts and 90 minutes long and divided by an intermission.

"Audience members should expect a lot of interpretation of what the natural reality should be," said Whitman. "We're not using real props and set pieces. The nice thing about this show is that there is some audience participation. There's some chanting. There's some joining in. A lot of times that fourth wall is broken. There are a lot of times the characters talk to the audience and engage the audience. It's so fun."

There are about 55 students involved with the staging of "Around the World in 80 Days," including a cast of 24 actors and a support staff of stage, light and sound crew members.

"These students are just involved with everything," said Whitman. "Half of them are involved with sports right now. They're coming from their practices and practicing with us. There are a few who want to go on in theater, and there are others who just want to be in it. They're just there because they love theater, and it's so cool to see."

The cast of "Around the World in 80 Days" features Gabriel Hallgren as Phileas Fogg, Madelyn Lehman as Passepartout, Ilyana Neufeld as Fix of the Yard, Jahniyah Torres as Princess Aouda and Paisley Stoltzfus as the main narrator, while Lily May is the stage manager and Josiah Nolt is the build manager.

"This show allows for so much creative storytelling through physical comedy and general antics on stage," said Ilyana. "It's also a blast for everyone because each role provides an opportunity for actors to grow and shine."

"I think (theater) is important because students are developing an understanding of what success is and what really matters in life," said Whitman. "As a theater director, I'm not just trying to teach them how to put on a successful show. I'm trying to instill values they will carry on for the rest of their lives, that how you treat people is what defines you."