MADISON – For its 2019 show, Messiah Lutheran Theatre will visit the eccentric residents of Clover Leaf Plantation in “Mischief in the Magnolias” on Sept. 28-29.

“Messiah Lutheran Theatre is an annual event at Messiah Lutheran Church. This year’s melodrama is delightful,” Lois Graff said. A cast member in “Mischief in the Magnolias,” Graff serves as Director of Music Ministries and accompanist/organist.

“Attendees will enjoy a great show,” Graff said. “Proceeds will be split between the Huntsville Assistance Program-West and an electronic sign for the church.”

“Mischief in the Magnolias” is set in the postbellum South on the dilapidated Clover Leaf plantation. The owners, Colonel Beauregard ‘Lucky’ Sweetwater and his late wife Merry May, must pay the mortgage or face auction of Clover Leaf. This predicament will force their attractive yet awkward daughter Truly to return from finishing school.

Several cast members in Messiah Players have acting experience and training from high school and college, community theater, local theater and Messiah’s own Music Camp, Graff said.

Cast members are Lee Seitz (Col. Beauregard ‘Lucky’ Sweetwater), Micayla Dondorp (Merry May Sweetwater), Jean Stuart (Rett, Housekeeper, Chef Charles), Heather Neely (Truly Sweetwater), Lois Graff (Sign Bearer), Walter Seitz (Hadley Heartburn) and Andrew King (Slim Chance).

A live goat also will ‘act’ with cast members.

Terry Frakes is serving as Director and Janice Aldaco as Assistant Director. Stephen Strand and Paul Zutter are coordinating sound. Other staff includes Greg Kilby; Meredith Kilby, graphics, publicity and artwork; and Joe Stuart, set design and construction.

“Some cast members costumed themselves,” Meredith Kilby said. “Audrey Gustafson and Laura Peterson procured two costumes from Fantasy Playhouse and Millbrook Theatre. Audrey turned (the costumes) into hoop skirts.”

The play is a presentation from Pioneer Drama Service. Shows will be held in the parish hall.

Tickets are on sale at Messiah Lutheran in the welcome center on Sundays or office between 8:30 a.m. to noon, Monday-Friday. Show times are Sept. 28 at 6 p.m. and Sept. 29 at 3 p.m. For information, call 256-617-8530.

Tickets on Sept. 28 are $15 for adults; $5 for children; or table of eight, $100. Nursery care will be available. Tickets on Sept. 29 are $8 for adults and $2 for children younger than 18. Guests can enjoy dessert after the matinee.

To reserve tickets, visit form.jotform.com/81952945884171

Messiah Lutheran Church’s address is 7740 U.S. 72 W. in Madison. For more information, call 256-721-0041.