Norman Krasna's World War II-era romantic comedy "Dear Ruth" is a delightful addition to the fall shows we have enjoyed in previous years at Crestview High School.
All's not well in the Wilkins household — and Judge Harry Wilkins' calm is definitely unsettled. His youngest daughter, 16-year-old Miriam, is taking support for the war effort to an extreme.
She's wearing a beret in solidarity with the occupied French, signed her father up to donate blood without telling him, and exchanges letters with an Army Air Corps officer to boost his morale.
That's all well and good until the day, to quote Judge Wilkins, "the lieutenant has come home to roost."
Miriam's been signing the name of her older sister, Ruth, to the letters, and even sent the soldier a photo of her sibling. Now he's home on leave and keen to meet his sweetheart pen pal.
Who just that day become engaged.
"Dear Ruth" opens Thursday evening and runs Friday and Saturday nights. The cast features Megan Keiffer as Miriam, Jill Cumbia as Ruth, Michael Brooks as Judge Wilkins, Katie Rocha as Mrs. Wilkins, Wesley Barlow as Lt. Seawright, and Walter Jagielski as Albert, the hapless fiancé.
"He was lonely and poured his heart out to me," Miriam tells her father.
"Who's going to pour it back?" he demands.
Find out this weekend on the Pearl Tyner Auditorium stage.
WANT TO GO?
WHAT: Norman Krasna's romantic comedy "Dear Ruth"
WHO: Crestview High School drama program
WHEN: 7 p.m. Oct. 24, 25 and 26
WHERE: Crestview High School Pearl Tyner Auditorium
DETAILS: Tickets, $5, are available at the door. Information: 689-7177, extension 1+8220
Contact News Bulletin Arts & Entertainment Editor Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview High brings 'Dear Ruth' to stage