The new age comedy “Greetings,” being presented as the second show in the Butler Little Theatre season, is a five-character portrayal of a family facing serious issues with a stranger in the house.

Sensitive subjects like death, prejudice and objective versus subjective reality are hashed out, all during a holiday visit.

The play by Tom Dudzick will open Nov. 26 and runs through Dec. 4 at the theater at One Howard St.

In the story, a young man named Andy Gorski, played by Jonathan Kearse, brings home his Jewish atheist fiancée, to meet his very Catholic parents on Christmas Eve. Within the inevitable family explosion comes an out-of-left-field miracle that propels the family to explore love, religion and personal truth.

Kearse of Butler Township was originally chosen to play the role of the younger sibling, but was recast as the lead.

“It has been a great learning experience. Since I was recast, I have been able to see how different actors portray a character differently,” Kearse said.

“Andy's family is very religious and does not approve of him marrying an atheist,” he said.

Andy has a sweet Catholic mother, a sour Catholic father and a younger sister named Missy (Tessa Flannery) who has severe mental retardation. Missy, whose entire vocabulary is “oh boy” and “wow,” suddenly says “Greetings!” as an ancient, wise and witty spirit who is set upon healing the family has borrowed Missy's body.

“It's a very challenging role,” said Flannery of Jefferson Township.

“I've never played anyone with a disability and I really want to be sensitive to the issues facing people with different needs. That said, I have to do what the playwright has written so it's about balancing my views with what's written,” she added.

Flannery feels “Greetings” has been a growing experience. “The play itself has so much wisdom and philosophy in it,” she said. “There are many moving messages of hope and a very unique view of faith. The overall message of the play is inspiring and it's great to be in a play that truthfully addresses the big questions of life.”

The father, Phil Gorski, is being played by Gibsonia resident Harley Allen. “I am the head of the family, a tough blue collar husband and father. He is opinionated and not afraid to share his opinion,” Allen said of his role, noting that being raised by a father like that gives him firsthand knowledge.

He said the show has been a great opportunity to grow his craft. The director, Tricia Eichler, has helped the cast experiment with character development, he said. “She has encouraged us to take risks and has challenged each of us to explore options that have allowed us to grow as actors,” he said.

The girl who's come to dinner is being played by Rikki Stupka of Butler.

“I'm playing the role of Randi, a girl of Jewish upbringing, in love with a boy who was raised heavily Catholic,” said Stupka.

“Due to painful childhood memories, Randi is at odds with the idea of a God who can let bad things happen and has therefore ceased the practice of any religion,” she explained.

Though Stupka is no stranger to the stage, several firsts are involved for her in this production.

“While I've had my share of roles that require me to have a love interest, I've never been required to be so demonstratively affectionate on stage. I have found out that, even at my age, I still blush,” she said.

Also she said playing a character younger than herself and a bit more optimistic has been challenging.

“With the exception of Harley, this is my first time on stage with the other actors, though I have worked with them in other aspects. Additionally, while I have acted with and directed Tricia, this is my first time being directed by her. I'm excited about all this newness and am looking forward to a great run,” Stupka said.

In addition to direction by Eichler, production for this show is provided by Danyle Verzinskie.

“The audience can expect a lot of laughs, but also a very good message that they can take home with them about not just the importance of love and forgiveness at the holiday season, but also the way to find happiness and fulfillment every day,” said Flannery.

<B>WHO: </B>Butler Little Theatre<B>WHAT: </B>“Greetings” by Tom Dudzick<B>WHEN: </B>Nov. 26 to Dec. 4. Curtain is at 8:15 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays.<B>WHERE:</B> One Howard St.<B>TICKETS: </B>$10 and available by calling 724-287-6781 between 7 and 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.<B>INFORMATION: </B>www.blt group.org