The cast of the WACS production of Nickleboy pauses from rehearsing for a group photo.

WESTFIELD — In “The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby,” Charles Dickens writes “Happiness is a gift and the trick is not to expect it, but to delight in it when it comes.”

Audiences at the upcoming Westfield Academy and Central School 26th Annual Dinner Theater production of “Nickleboy” are sure to be delighted. The production will be on Friday and Saturday at the school.

The play, which features original music and lyrics by music educator and Grammy winner Kent Knappenberger, is being presented by Westfield High School Westwinds and Westfield Middle/High School Drama Club. Each night, dinner will be at 6 followed by the show at 7:30 p.m.

Knappenberger said there are about 75 cast members, including four Westfield High School students who were recently notified of selection to the All-Eastern U. S. Honor choir.

The cast members have been very enthusiastic about the production, Knappenberger said. “The students have been ‘all in!”’ he said. “They have worked hard at not just memorization, but really learning how to communicate a variety of emotions and responses. They’ve been very enthusiastic in discussing the “larger story” of the musical!”

Knappenberger said he came across the Dickens book six years ago when he was looking for stories in the public domain that might make a good production. “I thought it painted a great picture of how we just need to hold on to what’s important sometimes,” he said. “I took the perspective that sometimes while we’re living our lives, the challenges we face point us to a larger story.”

Knappenberger said Dickens’ book is very long, which made it difficult to condense into a 2-hour musical. “For this production, in comparison to the first time we performed it, we have less of the story, to cut back on time, but what we do have is much more dynamic,” he said.

Knappenberger said the story tells of a man who loses his father and then his family loses everything they own. “This sets them on a crazy adventure where all kinds of colorful characters end up in their lives,” he said. “There are some very crazy, funny moments and absolutely nutty characters . . . we do have a nod to the British comedy troupe Monty Python on their 50th anniversary.”

Knappenberger said the story carries a relevant message for students. “Sometimes I see our world as being filled with desperate situations, many of which look hopeless. It’s been very important to engage our students in a story that focuses on how to get through the loss and hold on to what’s important,” he said.

The message is also relevant to adults, Knappenberger said. “Sometimes things might not turn out how we hope, but it doesn’t mean that it’s going to be bad. Sometimes wonderful things can happen in our lives that we never expected.”

Knappenberger noted that tickets will be available at the door, or on the Westfield Academy and Central School website for pre-sale purchase. It is $8 for adults and $6 for students, veterans and senior citizens. “There is a delicious dinner preceding the show, both nights, at 6:00 in the school cafeteria for $25,” he said. “Reservations are required for this, and may be made by calling 716-326-2151.”