PORTSMOUTH — Before it became a hit movie in 1984, the fictional story of the rivalry between court composer Antonio Salieri and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in the late 18th century was told on the stage.

That’s how you can see it at Portsmouth High School, when “Amadeus” comes to the Kate Grana Auditorium for three shows at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 16-18.

Tickets are available at the door — cash or check only — at $12 for adults, and $5 for students and seniors. 

The play, which features a cast of more than 20 actors, is presented by the PHS Drama Club by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. Sheli Beck Silveria is the director, assisted by PHS student Liz Lavery, who’s doing the play as her senior project. Charlie Silveria is the tech director, and Kat Procopio is publicity manager.

The cast members are Theresa Katin and Kat Procopio (as Antonio Salieri), Dillon Fesmire (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart), Eli Cabral (Constanze Weber), Drew Forch (Emperor Joseph II), Sophie Melchar (Count Johan Killan von Strack), Nila Khoury (Count Franz Orsini-Rosenberg), Eris Benner (Baron Gottfried van Swieten), Nik Svenstrup (Kapellmeister Guiseppe Bonno), Avery Smith (Major-Domo), Maddie Giovannini (Salieri’s valet), Reese Voss (Salieri’s cook), Savanah Magrath (Teresa Salieri), Kasey Quinn (Katharina Cavalier), and Ariyal Drayton (Don Giovanni).

The “citizens of Vienna” are played by Bella Holguin as Frau Weber, and Julia Victor, Kaylee Hagerty, Lizzie Viveiros, Fiona Sarro, Liv McPhee, and Mckenzie Loyola.