The characters from O. Henry’s classic short story “The Ransom of Red Chief” will take center stage at Greenville High School.

Students from GHS will perform the short story for their annual fall performance. The students will stage shows Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Director Naomi Pryor said she chose the play because it would be fun for the students, and at the same time would show off the talents of the students.

“The Ransom of Red Chief” follows two men who kidnap and attempt to ransom a wealthy Alabamian’s son. Eventually, the boy becomes so troublesome that the kidnappers pay the boy’s father to take him back.

Sixteen Greenville High School students will help stage the play.

While the performance promises to be entertaining, Pryor said the real benefit comes in the classroom.

“The drama programs in our schools teach students self-confidence, teamwork, and improve reading skills and thinking skills,” she said. “The fine arts have consistently and statistically proven to increase student performance on standardized tests and in the classroom as a whole. There is something for every student in the theater — acting, scene design, lighting, sound, etc.”

Tickets for the performances are $10 for adults and $5 for students.