Jane Austen seems to be everywhere these days.

PBS finished airing adaptations of her early 19th-century novels last week, and film versions of her work and life have popped up, from last year's biopic, "Becoming Jane," to next year's Latin-influenced "Sense and Sensibilidad."

It's no surprise, then, that Miss Austen is coming to the high school stage. Franklin Regional High School's Thespians will premiere "Pride and Prejudice" tomorrow night.

The Franklin Regional Thespians perform two shows a year, are separate from the spring musical and are independently funded.

What may be surprising about the show, however, is it was entirely the choice of the students, some of whom had read Austen's works on their own time.

Julie Babal, an English teacher at Franklin Regional and the faculty sponsor of the Thespians, said she didn't believe Jane Austen was even on the curriculum there.

In addition to those who had read Ms. Austen, "some of them had seen the movie with Keira Knightley and thought it would make a great show." The version of "Pride and Prejudice," starring Ms. Knightley, came out in 2005 and was nominated for four Academy awards.

Ms. Babao pointed out that the Thespian officers and students meet to choose the plays performed, then present a list to her.

"It's really important for high school students to have a vote," she said, "because they don't often get a voice in what they do."

Ms. Babal said she's learned during her five years as sponsor of the group that "it's difficult to find a good version of a long book," but noted the version of "Pride" her cast will be performing is the same one done by Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre in December.

Period pieces are always challenging, said Ms. Babal, because the students have to "hold themselves differently, speak more correctly, deal with corsets and big skirts." Plus, she added, "it's the first time we've tried accents."

But her cast takes those challenges in stride. "Our depth of talent is incredible," she said. "These are kids who are willing to remember when to bow."

Three seniors have done an especially good job in "Pride," said Ms. Babal. Scott Southlea plays heroine Elizabeth Bennett's love, Mr. D'Arcy, and "it's a lot to handle as a young man," she said, referring to D'Arcy's status as the fictional dream man of generations of readers -- and more recently, moviegoers.

Priya Iyer plays Elizabeth's antagonist, Miss Bingley. Kristin Antosz plays the prideful Lady Catherine De Bourgh.

"Pride" also stars Brianne Holland as Elizabeth Bennett; Daragh Egan and Tonya Galmoff as Mr. and Mrs. Bennett; and Lauren Mrachko, Rachel Peters, Amanda Holcombe and Laura Brennan as Jane, Mary, Kitty and Lydia Bennett.

Aaron Wattenphul plays Jane's suitor, Bingley, and Alex Demorest plays the charming Mr. Wickham.

Ms. Babal said audience members not familiar with Ms. Austen will be in for a surprise.

"She's got a lot of humor," she noted. "If you can get past the corsets, bonnets and riding boots, the show is really about making important life decisions."