The Drama Department at Saugus High School is getting ready to present “Moliere Impromptu,” a new play by Rinne Goff, from May 20 to 23 in the multipurpose theater room on the Saugus campus. Curtain time is 4 p.m. on Wednesday and 7 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday evenings.

The comedy is billed as “A Hilarious Romp Through 17th Century France with Moliere, The Original Maestro of Comedy.”

The scene is set in 1665. After 12 years of rumbling through the countryside playing venues like The Toulouse Duck Liver Faire, Moliere and his band of actors are invited to perform before King Louis XIV and his court. If the king likes their performance, they’ve got a full-time job at the palace of Versailles.  If not, it’s back on the dusty road again.

Unfortunately, Mademoiselle Du Croisy can’t remember her lines, Mrs. Moliere is flirting with the handsome young apprentice and Moliere’s new play isn’t funny. When the King demands a performance in ten minutes, panic ensues.

For the third time this year, Saugus High School presents a brand new play, this time in 17th-century costumes and elaborate wigs.

Drama teacher Leslie Carson calls “Moliere Impromptu” a “delightful romp filled with witty dialogue, charming romance, French accents and Three Stooges-style comedy.”

“Come and meet the playwright described as the master of modern comedy and spend a laughter-filled evening with some of Hart District’s most talented performers,” invites Carson.

The production stars Kevin Rae as Moliere supported by Brandon Brooks, Ashley Veurink, Josh Clark, Daniel Stewart, Gia Patafio, Tanya Flynn, Liz Pandrea, Matt Sziklay, Amber Hagan, Vaneh Assadourian and  Cameron Rose.