A musical comedy set in the 1880s will take audiences back to the old western Arizona town of Tombstone for performances of "The Masked Canary" this weekend.

The 90-minute play runs at 7 p.m. May 1-3 at Liberty Lake Community Theatre, 22910 E. Appleway Ave. Tickets are available at the door for $15 per adult, and for $12 per senior and child from ages 6 to 12.

Director Emily D. Nichols said audiences will be encouraged to cheer for the play's heroine and boo loudly at the villain as they get caught up in the tone of the play that teeters toward slapstick. 

"The audience doesn't have to do the typical sit still," Nichols said. "The audience is totally welcome to laugh, be loud, holler at the villain and cheer when something goes well with the heroine. It's kind of slapstick in a way that allows the actors to go over the top. It's just really fun."

At the same time, audiences will find a rich musical experience, along with some dancing, she said. 

"It's paired with incredibly difficult vocals on a technical level, so the audience will see a very worthwhile performance," she said.

The play's main character, Amanda Goodsort, has a secret of monumental proportions. She disguises herself as "The Masked Canary" for her theater performances in Tombstone.

Away from the bright lights, though, Amanda has raised herself into high social circles and is trying to protect that secret identity. She's up against adversaries Judge Mortimer Harshly and his scam artist partner, Peachy Jamm, who both plot to blackmail her.

"The evil judge is just after her money," Nichols said.

Nichols isn't new to the theater community. She has performed as an actor previously at Liberty Lake Community Theatre, where she was in the production of "Tiny Tim's Christmas" this past December. She also has done other area community theater work, both as an actor and in some directing roles.

Nichols said she is enjoying working with a cast of 14 for "The Masked Canary," along with four crew members. The melodramatic musical's assortment of characters is very diverse, Nichols added.

Some additional characters include the airy French maid Fifi; a pious Flora, who is always up on a pedestal; a hypochondriac Old Timer; a wise-cracking sidekick; and a dreamy Lt. Bogg along with Victoria, his "Belle of Boston." Audiences also will see Wing Tip, a wise ancient Chinese philosopher; Harvard graduate Lonely Wolf; the Unknown Woman who has a lot to say; and the can-can dancers, among other performers.

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