The Maniototo Theatre Group take the reins with their production How the West was Warped.
Theatre group vice-president and director Lucia Dowling said the Western-style comedy had wide appeal.
"There’s the Women’s Temperance League against alcohol, Big Bad John who wants to take over the town and the saloon, a cowardly sheriff in the shadow of a despised father, a hero, a drunken gold miner with a love of whisky — and an ironic twist."
Despite being a small group, the production was big on talent, many people coming out of the woodwork to be part of the production, she said.
"We have a small community but the talent is pretty incredible. People you don’t know can act — vets, pharmacists, electricians, mailmen ..."
"It always amazes me how people interpret the characters — they’re very clever people."
Community theatre was important because it brought people together, Maniototo Theatre Group treasurer and director Anne Kirk said.
"It’s great — the community genuinely look forward to it and that’s what I love. You get ... genuine anticipation."
How the West was Warped will have three evening shows on September 28 and 30, and October 1.
