All families experience their share of drama, but how often do we have a chance to see the inner workings of someone else's family up close? That's just what happens on stage in "August: Osage County." The play will be performed at Susquehanna Stage, 133 W. Market St., Marietta, on select dates from Friday, Oct. 13, through Sunday, Oct. 22.

"The show is a window into a Midwestern American family," explained Sarah Zahn, who plays Karen, the youngest of three sisters in the Weston family. "It explores what happens when tragedy hits. I think most of us can find something in it we recognize in our own families, and it can feel really cathartic in a way."

She added that although the show has serious overtones, it also includes upbeat moments. "There's a lot of love, a lot of humor and a lot of grief as well," she explained. "It has it all."

The Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony Award-winning play, written by Tracy Letts, takes place during the month of August in a small town in Oklahoma. Scattered family members have come back together to deal with a difficult situation.

"I would say this is a dark comedy," said Cara Ditzler, who portrays Ivy, the middle sister. "It's very funny, but at the same time, it's like you're watching a trainwreck almost."

Andi Hill, who plays Barbara, the oldest sister, agreed, adding, "We recognize ourselves in it. We see things that would happen at our dinner table. Every emotion possible is represented at some point in this show. It feels very real."

Ditzler noted that although the play is more than three hours long and is told in three acts, it moves quickly. "I was reading reviews of the Broadway production, and people kept saying, 'It doesn't feel that long.' You're not sitting there thinking, 'When is this going to be over?' You're invested in the characters."

Zahn noted that her character does not appear on stage until Act 2, but she finds it hard to concentrate on anything other than the play even from backstage.

"It's so fascinating to see what's happening on stage," she said. "I can't stop watching. I can't keep my eyes off it."

The matriarch of the family, Violet, is portrayed by Cynthia Charles, who emphasized that her character is a flawed one. "She's contentious and troubled. You'll come away from this show feeling really great about your family," she said, with a laugh.

The play is full of adult content, the cast noted, adding that topics include suicide and addiction. Despite some dark moments, however, it provides an opportunity for introspection, Ditzler said.

"I think there are some questions left at the end of the play, which feels intentional," she remarked. "I think those are the best shows. The ending is uncertain, and then the whole ride home, you talk about, 'What do you think happened?'"

"August: Osage County" will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 13, 14, 20 and 21, as well as Thursday, Oct. 19, and at 2 p.m. on Sundays, Oct. 15 and 22. For more information, visit http://www.susquehannastage.com.