Dean Sauder, director of the upcoming Lancaster Mennonite High School (LMHS) play, has been waiting many years to stage "Scapino!" This fall, he knew the time had come. "I picked it because it's a comedy, and the audience needs to laugh," said Sauder.

Based loosely on Moliere's "Scapin The Schemer," "Scapino!" adds Italian flavor to a slapstick comedy that, while not a musical, does feature an upbeat musical interlude called "Minestrone, Macaroni." "The lyrics are literally taken off an Italian menu," noted Sauder.

The family-friendly play by Frank Dunlop and Jim Dale will be staged in the LMHS Fine Arts Center, 2176 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Nov. 4, 5, and 6, at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, Nov. 7, at 3 p.m. Audience members will be required to wear masks.

The action takes place in a cafe on the waterfront, where Scapino, played by Jazmyn Shanahan, strategizes to help two couples overcome parental opposition to their romances. Additional cast members include Carter Palmer as Geronte, Miranda Beidler as Argante, Kay Beidler as Sylvestro, Simeon Spurrier as Ottavio, Noah Niehans as Leandro, Aaliyah Clark as Giacinta, Kayla Risser as Zerbinetta, Ilse Ness as the nurse, Julia Fisher as Carlo, Anya Friesen as a waitress, Emma Irons as the headwaiter, Owen Esch as first waiter, and Rachal Landes as second waiter.

In October, when classes were held virtually for four days due to COVID-19 concerns, Sauder's cast of 14 lost essential practice time. "In this show, more than any other I have ever worked with, because there's a lot of farce and slapstick, the comic timing has to be perfect or someone could get hurt," said Sauder, who planned Saturday makeup rehearsals for the show.

Sauder noted that one of the challenges of the play has been the size of the set. "We are covering the entire stage with a dock," said Sauder, who said the set will stretch into the audience, covering the first three pews. Not only will the stage bring the action closer to the audience, but during the play, members of the cast will enter the aisles, talking to the theatergoers and asking how they are enjoying the show.

A final challenge has been adapting the script to modern sensitivities regarding how men treat women, which Sauder said has given him a lot of teachable moments about changes in what is culturally acceptable.

Readers who wish to see the play may visit http://www.lancastermennonite.org, and click on Calendar, or call 717-740-2456, or email boxoffice@lancastermennonite.org.