The Westosha Central play opens Friday, April 12, in Paddock Lake

The play, which premieres Friday evening, is called “Above Average Man.”

“It’s an entertaining show written in the style of the 1960s TV series “Batman,” said Michael Klimzak, the school’s drama director.

Klimzak found the show online and immediately thought it was a good fit for the school.

“We have a big program here,” he said, “so I’m always looking for shows with a large ensemble. There are about 35 kids in the cast.”

Written by Christopher E. Engler, the series tells the story of a man named Max Best, who, as the superhero Captain Stupendous, protects the streets of Populous from his archenemy Nefarious.

Things get tricky when reporter Piper Penbrooke finds out that Captain Stupendous doesn't have superpowers.

That's a problem when Nefarious and “a league of evil villains” break out of prison and search for Captain Stupendous.

Can Max Best compete against the villains as an “Above Average Man” without his superpowers?

No matter how the story ends, Klimzak said students “have a great time doing this show.” The comic book style is fun and we get to create strange props and costumes. But it also has a serious message: that it's okay to be “above average.” You can still be pretty awesome even if you don’t have superpowers.”

The set is decorated in bold colors and during fight scenes, the show uses “Pow!” and “Zap!” signs, as seen in Adam West's classic television series “Batman.”

“We tell the story like we’re airing a TV show,” Klimzak said. “The reporter telling the story is a Lois Lane type who wants to change the world. She sees problems in the city that no one else sees.”

Wyatt Shaffer, who plays Captain Stupendous, said his character “starts out like a Superman, but then he's brought back down to earth and then he doesn't know what to do.” When he realizes he's not a superhero, He will be given the task of saving the world.”

It's a very different role for Shaffer, as he says the villains get “outlandish and wild.”

Alongside Shaffer, James Shuemate plays the Commissioner, a police officer in the town of Populous.

“I didn’t know what to expect from this show,” Shuemate said. “I like the plot twists. It makes a lot of fun.”

Amidst the madness of superpowers and supervillains is reporter Penbrooke, who uncovers the story of Captain Stupendous and his disappearing powers.

“It’s a more serious role than most characters,” said Zoey Prevett, who plays Piper. “This show is amazing and really different from anything we've done before. There’s so much action and bright colors on stage.”

As for their own wish lists when it comes to superpowers, the director and cast want to act quickly.

“I want to get in my car and be home right away,” Klimzak said. “I would like to teleport anywhere.”

This sentiment is shared by Shuemate, Shaffer and Prevett, who “want to be able to fly so I never have to drive anywhere again.”

Alexa Blasi – who plays multiple roles and once appears on stage as a vitamin bottle – chooses “mind control” as her superpower.

What would she do with such powers? This remains a mystery for Above Average Man to solve.