The Butler Little Theatre will open its 69th season with a delightful comedy, "The Girls of the Garden Club," on Oct. 2.

"The Girls of the Garden Club" is a political comedy about how one woman wrestles for the presidency of the local garden club. The unique and spicy characters plus two males in the cast all make for quite an interesting romp into the world of gardening and more.

Shirley Ann Minehart, the director, has pulled together the large cast for the show.

"I thought that directing 21 women, one man, and two teenagers — some experienced, some never on stage — would be challenge enough, when real life came crashing through in the first weeks of staging this production," Minehart said. "Just when I found the right adult man for our cast having none at auditions, I lost two of our leading ladies and a stage manager to painful events in their personal lives and one of our garden club ladies to another obligation."

Yet Minehart, refusing to panic, said she has been blessed with two wonderful actresses to step into the empty roles, as well as an experienced stage manager, and various cast members willing to help out.

" I've also been blessed with a team of excellent producers who, while new to the task, have a deep appreciation for what it takes to pull together a production and a very strong work ethic," Minehart said.

Stephanie Kobil of Butler will tackle the lead role, Rhoda Greenleaf. Kobil has been on stage for years in Butler, but this is her first experience with Butler Little Theatre.

"I had never been in a BLT show and had wanted to try out for one for a while and when this show came up (with so many women's roles) I thought I'd give it a try," Kobil said.

"I was hoping for at least a small role. When the producer called to offer me the lead role, I was stunned and thrilled to say the least."

Her character has proven to be a bit daunting, basically because she is the typical average person, unlike the quirky characters Kobil is used to playing.

"What has really been a challenge for me, but fun at the same time, is that Rhoda is more of a normal housewife, that goes through some funny situations," Kobil said. "Trying to be funny and be more of a typical person has been tough. The director, Sam Minehart, has been so helpful by giving me suggestions and guidance."

Rhoda's passion in life is plants, much to the dismay of her husband, Vincent, and teenage daughter, Marigold.

"She desperately wants a greenhouse but her husband refuses to buy her one. So she comes up with a plan to get a greenhouse by asking for support of her dearest friends in the garden club," Kobil said.

Rhoda's best friend Cora is played by Katie Moore of Franklin Township.

"She doesn't really get into the whole gardening thing; but would do anything for Rhoda, so she's involved in her activities, and hence the Garden Club — filled with a bunch of women she thinks are a bit odd," Moore said.

"Cora is sarcastic and a bit caustic, probably the character I have played most like myself," Moore mused.

Moore said she was enjoying the experience even more than she anticipated.

One of the men in this show is Colten Gill of Forward Township. The ninth grade student at Seneca Valley High School plays the character called Dillson, who says what he thinks in a quiet manner.

"He has been friends with (the character) Marigold for a long time, and that is why they trust each other so much," Gill said. "Dillson enjoys trying to annoy Rhoda and others, but is serious when he needs to be."

Gill said he enjoys playing his character because Dillson is an exaggerated version of himself. "This role is my biggest role so far, and it has taught me that I need to come out of my comfort zone more often in order to give a good performance and really become the character," Gill said.

Becky Plymale of Butler is another of the 21 women who take the stage. Her character is named Dora, a pleasant, delightful garden lady who wants to please everyone.

Though she spends a great deal of time on stage, Plymale said the lack dialogue makes Dora somewhat intimidating to play. "I spend a good deal of time on the stage, but often have few lines. This requires us to react while out of the main conversation," Plymale said. "Reacting without overacting is sometimes more difficult than being the center of attention."

Marsha Seybert of Butler is producing "The Girls of the Garden Club" with Dan McCarty. "I was thrilled to be asked to produce under the direction of Sam (Shirley Ann) Minehart. Her knowledge and expertise makes for a great learning experience," said the first time producer.

"I have enjoyed the process as each of the women bring their character to life," she added. "Gathering back stage crews has been great; it is wonderful to see the set come to life, and as the set comes to life, the actors' characters seem to awaken even more."

Seybert also was quick to note that the show will provide many laughs and the walls may even shake as the girls of the garden club sing their song.

Said director Minehart: "I announced at auditions that I would only welcome actors and actresses that wanted to have fun. We've had plenty of that, and I am positive it will show to the audience.

The show opens on Oct. 2 and will run through Oct. 10.

<B>WHO: </B>Butler Little Theatre<B>WHAT: </B>"The Girls of the Garden Club" by John Patrick<B>WHEN: </B>Oct. 2 to 10. Curtain is at 8:15 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Sundays, and 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays<B>WHERE: </B>One Howard St.<B>TICKETS: </B>$10; call 724-287-6781 between 7 and 9 p.m.<B>INFORMATION: </B>www.bltgroup.org