“Leaving Iowa,” the Charleston Community Theater’s latest production, tasks six actors with portraying the script’s 28 individual roles.

Cathy Sheagren, director of the play, said two actors would suffice for the 28 different roles because they are outstanding performers.

“These two actors are so talented and will make the play interesting for audience members,” Sheagren said.

The play is about a man who goes home to the state of Iowa to scatter his dad’s ashes, as he promised he would. While in the process of doing that, he relives the many comical road trips that his family has taken throughout the 1970s.

“Leaving Iowa” is told in flashbacks with complex lines delivered by the actors and conversations held in the back seat of the family car.

The set of the play is simple, with many scenes taking place in the car.

Sheagren said the play hits home with audiences because Don relives these memories in which his older sister tortures him in a loving way as brothers and sisters do.

This comedy highlights family relationships and the topic of things that seem hard at times.

Tim Mason, an economics professor, is playing Dad. Mason is also a chair of the Charleston Community Theater.

Matt Mattingly is playing the main character, Don Browning. Victoria Bennett is playing Mom, and Leah Piescinski is playing Sis. Earl Halbe and Faith Ramsey are the two actors playing 22 different roles in the play.

Sheagren said the small cast has only had seven weeks to learn and rehearse this play, as opposed to the estimated eight weeks it usually takes for a play of this caliber to be rehearsed.

This comedy will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26 through 27 and at 2 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Tarble Arts Center. The play will also be performed at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2 through 4. Sheagren said she advises those interested to reserve a seat, because seating is limited for this kind of event.

Tickets for “Leaving Iowa” are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for all students.

Bethany Kulacz can be reached at 581-2812 or bdkulacz@eiu.edu.