Dublin, a quiet Missouri town with more churches than bars and a cheese factory at the center of commerce, serves as the setting for Lanford Wilson's play of lies, adultery, theft and the politics of community theatre.

When the owner of the cheese factory, pillar of the community Walt Bates, dies suddenly in what appears to be a hunting accident, the plant’s bookkeeper Ruth suspects foul play. Like the tornado that tears through Dublin in the first act, she launches an investigation into Walt's death that begins to tear the town apart, but Dublin’s intricate system of loyalties means that no one--not the local sheriff, not even Bates’ grieving window--wants to face the possibility of treachery among their own.

Issues of truth and fidelity explode in Ruth's true-to-life community theatre performance of Saint Joan. She combats the forces of hierocracy, uncovering a commanding tear in the fabric of a community's trust and faith in each other.

The cast of the World Premiere of Book of Days, under the direction of Guy Sanville, included Joseph Albright, Sandra Birch, Carey Crim, Randall Godwin, John Hawkinson, John Lepard, Michelle Mountain, Dennis E. North, Wayne David Parker, Jim Porterfield, Suzi Regan, and Lisa Sodman.

Photos by Danna Segrest