Rehearsing the drama “Rabbit Hole,” the next production at the Butler Little Theatre, are, from left, Mark McConnell as Jason, Stefan Lingenfelter as Howie, Heidi Nicholls as Becca, Whitney Ann Jenkins as Izzy and Marge Bakert as Nat.

Opening March 16 at the Butler Little Theatre is the drama “Rabbit Hole” by David Lindsay Abaire.

The story explores the heavy burden of grief but uses humor and everyday experiences to showcase how one family processes a tragic loss.

Playing Howie, the husband, is Stefan Lingenfelter of Butler Township. “This is a fantastic Pulitzer Prize-winning play with brilliantly drawn out characters,” he said.

He auditioned with the role of Howie in mind. “He is an educated, hard working, white collar guy who is dealing with the devastating realities of rebuilding the relationship with the wife he loves after a freak accident that rips their world apart,” Lingenfelter said.

The emotional nature of the play can make it challenging. “There is a great deal of raw emotion in the play because of the subject matter. Harnessing the vulnerability and letting yourself feel those emotions can be tough at times,” he said.

Howie's wife is played by Heidi Nicholls of Butler. “Becca, is a mother dealing with loss and the impact that has on her entire family,” Nicholls said. This part was played by Cynthia Nixon on Broadway and by Nicole Kidman in the film version.

“I auditioned for this part specifically after having read the play,” Nicholls said. “Becca is dealing with unimaginable loss and struggles with her relationships and her faith. It's a challenging part, to be sure, but one I am eager to tackle.”

The role of Jason, a high school boy, is being played by Mark McConnell Jr., who followed the director to this production.

“This will be the third show I have done under the direction of Lester Malizia. I enjoy working with him because he has so much knowledge about everything you want to know when it comes to acting and performing at all levels and branches of theater,” McConnell said.

The college junior is studying early childhood education in real life.

“I chose to do “Rabbit Hole” because I related to the character of Jason so well,” he said. “'Rabbit Hole' is as real as it gets when it comes to real people facing a terrible tragedy of a loved one.”

McConnell's friend, Whitney Ann Jenkins of Winfield Township, plays the role of Izzy, Becca's sister.

“Izzy is constantly trying to find the balance of where she fits in the constantly changing family dynamic,” Jenkins said.

“She's quirky and sarcastic and amongst all of the tragedy that has surrounded her prefers to not take life too seriously,” said Jenkins, who auditioned for this specific role.

“This is an incredible script with an even more spectacular production staff attached,” she added.

<B>WHO:</B> Butler Little Theatre<B>WHAT: </B>“Rabbit Hole” by David Lindsay Abaire<B>WHEN: </B>March 15 to 23, at 8:15 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday<B>WHERE: </B>One Howard St.<B>TICKETS:</B> $10, available by calling 724-287-6781 from 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays<B>INFO: </B>www.bltgroup.org