Midn. 1⁄C David Smestuen as Captain Phillip Arthur.

The play, written by 1966 St. John’s College graduate Timberlake Wertenbaker, depicts a true story of Royal Sailors and Marines who arranged Australia’s first play with a cast of convicts and officers, hoping to increase morale and bring civility to the colony.

''This play celebrates the history of the Naval Academy because one of big goals of bringing theatre to the Naval Academy was to bring a higher sense of civilization to the area,'' said Dr. Christy Stanlake, Masquerader’s director. ''This, ironically, is reflected in the plot as well.''

This year, the production features a combination cast and crew of 17 Midshipmen. The production also introduces a first for the Masqueraders in the form of a revolving stage, constructed entirely by the Midshipmen.

Midn. 4/C Gustavo Hernandez as Lieutenant Will Dawes.

''The study of human nature is a crucial part of a Midshipman’s education as future leaders. When you play a character, you are being asked to imagine the life of another person and in often cases, respond to difficult situations,'' said Cmdr. Mark Larabee, Officer Representative and former Masquerader. ''Through the studies of these works of literature we are able to confront difficult problems of leadership and understanding human nature.''

The centennial celebration will be at the Nov. 17 performance and includes an alumni reunion and ceremony honoring Michael Jasperson, David White, and Anne Marie Drew, the three living former directors of the Masqueraders.

Performances will be Nov. 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. in Mahan Theater. Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased through (410) 293-TIXS (8497). For more information on the Masqueraders, visit www.usna.edu⁄masqueraders.