Breakout:
What: "A Country Bumpkin's Christmas" presented by Actors' Studio of Hope in collaboration with WILLow LeaVes of Hope.
When: 7 p.m. December 9, 16 and 17 -- Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; Dinner at 6 p.m.; 2 p.m. December 11 and 18 -- Doors open at 12:30 p.m.; Dinner at 1 p.m.
Where: WILLow LeaVes of Hope, 326 Jackson St., downtown Hope.
Cost: $35 per person (Cost includes drink, meal, dessert and show)

** For more information or to make reservations, call 812-341-7251.
‘Tis the season to make merry and the Actors’ Studio of Hope, in collaboration with WILLow LeaVes of Hope, is bringing the cheer with the debut of “A Country Bumpkin’s Christmas” beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, December 9 at WILLow LeaVes of Hope, located at 326 Jackson St., in downtown Hope.

Written by veteran actor Jason Bowser, this Christmas tale isn’t all it seems.

When a mother, daughter and aunt trio get a wild hair, they travel to the country to see their great aunt Bertha who lives in the country. Not just out in the county country, but deep backwoods country, Bowser says.

Bertha, who is portrayed by Naomi Fleetwood Pyle, who is also producing the play, is more than happy to see them, however, the lack of modern accommodations paves the way for hilarity to ensue.

“We have these city people going to the country with something they aren’t used to and it leads to its own brand of humor,” Bowser says. “And Naomi has her southern ways and phrases that people who are from the south will identify with.”

After a few days of making friends with nature, catching their own dinner, and using an outhouse for the first time ever, the ladies decide it is time to return to the city and take Auntie Bertha with them.

When the ladies return to the city, well, a wide-eyed Bertha is seemingly in for a culture shock. As she navigates the modern world and grows accustomed to modern conveniences, one can tell the country bumpkin is in full-blown panic.

“This is truly a tale of a fish out of water,” Bowser says. “When I started writing the play, I just knew I wanted it to be fun. And there is a plot twist because I couldn’t help myself.”

For the keen eye and tuned ear, the twist begins to reveal itself in subtle shifts that crack the surface to reveal situations and people may not be exactly as they seem.

Pyle readily admits that portraying Bertha presents its own unique challenges.

And many of those challenges involve not only her numerous lines but remembering to include elements of tone and props. For instance, when you have someone who is a seasoned clogger and accustomed to moving it can be difficult to convincingly pull off “feeble.”

But challenges present opportunity for growth.

“They’re good challenges, though, because they make me think,” Pyle says.

The nearly two-hour long production features a cast of six and showcases the dynamic talent of Falicia Whited with its set design, Pyle adds.

Hope resident Jessica Brown is no stranger to the WILLow LeaVes stage and will be playing the role of Martha, a middle-aged city dweller and Bertha’s niece.

“She is a city slicker who goes to visit her aunt who lives in the boondocks,” Brown says. “The cultural differences make hilarity ensue.”

As rehearsals continue, Brown says the production is going really well and all are excited for opening night.

“I hope it is well attended and we make a lot of people laugh,” Brown says. “And bring them into the holiday spirit.”