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Rating:  4 out of Fordyce

How do they do it? The Williamston Theatre has once again brought us a play that is so enjoyable you want to hug the characters at the end of the show.

Michigan playwright Joe Zettelmaier penned this wonderful story about a couple from the Detroit area who move to the small town of Carson, Georgia, when she gets a job offer there. They immediately meet their offbeat neighbor, an old Southern gentlemen who is part of the local Civil War reenactment regimen.

Kate Peckham plays Maddie, the wife who brings her unemployed husband to what seems to him like a foreign land. She is the glue in this show who holds everything together when conflict arises between her husband, Rob, and the neighbor “Doc” Boggs.

Rob is played perfectly by John Lepard. We all know what a fine actor he is, and in this role he excels with the perfect foil played by Thomas Mahard. Mahard is so believable as “Doc” he could get an endorsement from Jefferson Davis.

It is obvious that Lepard and Mahard are having a good time tuning some great lines into very funny situations. This trio learns about each other right up until the surprise ending that will make you love them all even more.

Hats off to director Joe Albright for taking a great cast and letting them do their thing. Kudos to Daniel Walker for a great set that is simple and effective and to Reid Johnson for a great lighting scheme that changes the mood as effortlessly as the scenes change.

This one gets a perfect 4 out of Fordyce and is a must see.

Please be sure to check out the pictures from opening night in the MIentertainment Photo Album and click below to hear my interview with the director that was recorded while the show was in previews.

And don’t miss the Cabaret Fundraiser for the Williamston Theatre next Sunday (July 24) at 7 pm.  Get Tickets for Creek and the fundraiser at www.williamstontheatre.org.