The River City Players will present the soap-opera comedy 'Quiet on the Set' in April

Next month, River City Players Community Theatre will bring drama to Cape Girardeau -- soap opera drama, that is.

Director Holly Raines, co-director Paul King and a cast and crew have worked on "Quiet on the Set" since early February. Now it's about time for them to make some noise.

One question sums up the plot, said Raines: "Does life imitate soaps, or do soaps imitate life?"

"The plot is centered around two soap opera actors, and there are two other supporting actors who are also on the soap," Raines said.

Though Raines has been involved with the theater group for about eight years, directing four of its productions, this one is unique because she had never before been a part of a play where "actors play actors, and [those] actors are playing characters on [the] soap."

Justin Aden performs as Taylor during rehearsal Tuesday for River City Players’ production of “Quiet on the Set.” Taylor plays John on the soap opera that is the setting for the play. (Adam Vogler)

In other words, real-life actors are taking on the role of actors who are playing actors on a soap opera.

"You have to see it to fully understand it," she said. "Come and see it. It's a really funny show."

Putting together a production such as this isn't all laughs, but Raines could not be more pleased with the result.

"The talent is unbelievable," she said. Because the actors are portraying a soap opera drama, it is important they have a feel for that genre, and this group does not disappoint, she said.

"They're all getting into the characters very, very well," Raines said, adding "They understand that soap operas are a little overdramatic."

Raines said the cast of "Quiet on the Set" is such a talented group, they have been able to combine that drama with comedy that should make its target audience -- 18 and older -- laugh. In fact, even their director is caught up in it all. "I am laughing hysterically watching them rehearse," Raines said.

Making the production click are mostly veteran actors with whom she has worked previously, she said. Lindsay Baker, for example, is "a wonderful talent," she said.

But it's not just recognizable names and faces who contribute to the production. Scott Edgar, for example, is a River City neophyte. Nonetheless, he receives accolades from his director. "He's a great undiscovered talent," she said.

Raines predicts it will be a great show because of the entire team.

Other cast members are Andrea Shovan, Justin Aden, Sean Lightfoot, Hannah Shovan and Andrea Till. Patti Wick manages state and props, and the stage designer is Paul King.

"Quiet on the Set" will be performed April 3 through 7 at Port Cape Girardeau's River City Yacht Club. Opening night, which includes a dessert buffet, is 7 p.m. April 3. The April 4 and 5 shows include a dinner buffet, with doors opening at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. and the performance beginning at 8 p.m. The play closes with a 2 p.m. matinee and dessert buffet April 6. Dinner shows are $35, and dessert shows are $20.

Pertinent address:

19 N. Water Street, Cape Girardeau