Performers from “Shanghaied in Astoria” at last year’s Astoria Regatta.

ASTORIA — “Shanghaied in Astoria,” an interactive melodrama set in Clatsop County, is being staged for a 40th season beginning at 7 p.m. Friday on the Astor Street Opry Co. stage.

The show is the oldest continuously running melodrama in the United States. It centers on Eric, who is “shanghaied,” or kidnapped, away from Astoria and his love, Virginia, and forced to perform labor on a ship.

The script was written by former Clatsop Community College professor Del Corbett in the 1980s and includes nods to Astoria’s Scandinavian roots.

Shows are scheduled for Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. through Aug. 17. Sunday matinees are planned at 2 p.m. July 21, Aug. 11 and Aug. 18. Two additional performances at 2 p.m. July 19 and Aug. 2 will be alcohol-free “Safe & Sober” shows.

To commemorate the show’s 40th anniversary, this year’s cast will be joined by actors from past productions.

Admission is $10 for house seats and $20 for the front row. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. To buy tickets, visit www.asocplay.com.