Focusing on the dynamics of a family in flux, the Stained Glass Theatre of Mid-Missouri will present "Pap's Place" starting next week.
Director Gail Clements said "Pap's Place" is a very familiar story for her - she's acted in a previous Stained Glass production of the show.
"I loved it that was my favorite to role to play," she said.
Clements said she jumped at the opportunity to take part in the production again, but this time she opted to take on the director role.
"It's a labor of love," she said. "It always is."
Clements described the show as a dramedy, a combination of both drama and comedy. It follows three generations of men in the Freed family who are each going through a different life-altering change. The show's title character, Pap, the eldest, is showing signs of possible Alzheimer's disease. The youngest, who is 18, is trying to make decisions about his future, while his father is dealing with career turmoil.
"Each of them are dealing, individually, with those changes in their lives and then there's the family dynamics of how they are each dealing with the other's problems," Clements said, adding it leads to both hilarious and touching moments.
Clements said the cast has been rehearsing for about two and a half months and are ready for audiences, who should be able to relate to at least one of the characters as they face their futures.
"It's going to touch each of their hearts in different ways," she said.
All shows at Stained Glass are family-friendly, but Clements said she thinks the show is more relatable for an older audience; it's unlikely it will capture the full attention of a young child.
Because of the show's inclusion of aspects of Alzheimer's disease, the Alzheimer's Association will have some information available at the theater to help inform audiences.
Clements said she hopes people come out of the show understanding its core message - in times of change and turmoil, all the worries and anxieties felt should be cast upon a higher power.
"Our whole lives revolve around change," Clements said. "Make sure to turn to your faith in those times."
The show will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 5-6 and 12-13, with 2 p.m. matinees Sept. 7 and 14. Tickets are $9 each, with exception for the opening show Sept. 5, which will have tickets for $7 each. The theater has open seating, and doors open about 30 minutes before the performance. To reserve a seat, call the theater at 573-634-5313.