Derek Whittaker stars in THE FOREIGNER at Chaffin's Barn 3/24-4/30

Derek Whittaker stars in the title role in the latest incarnation of The Foreigner, Larry Shue's classic stage comedy, opening at Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre March 24, running through April 30. The production is helmed by director Dietz Osborne.

In a rural fishing lodge in Georgia, frequent visitor and demolitions expert Froggy Le Seuer deposits a friend, a pathologically shy man named Charlie who is overcome at the thought of making conversation with strangers. (And the strangers couldn't be stranger: a sinister two-faced minister and his redneck

side-kick, the minister's debutante fiancée and her half-witted brother and the feisty proprietress of the lodge.) Before leaving his buddy at the lodge, Froggy tells everyone that Charlie is from an exotic foreign country and speaks no English. Once alone, the fun really begins as Charlie overhears more than he should.

A longtime favorite comedy at the long-running dinner theater, The Foreigner is being revived for 2011 with a cast that includes - in addition to Whittaker - David Compton, Scott Costner, Daniel Hackman, Jenny Norris-Light, Tammie Whited and Charlie Winton.

Director Osborne has worked extensively both as an actor and as a director/choreographer throughout the region. He is also a celebrated playwright along with writing partner Nate Eppler. Osborne and Eppler's Rear Widow, seen at the Barn last summer, received Outstanding Original Work of 2010 from First Night Nashville and Nashville.BroadwayWorld.com. The duo's most recent work, Southern Fried Funeral will be produced later this season at Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre.

Mainstage performances are Tuesday through Saturday evenings, with the buffet served from 6 to 7:30 p.m., with curtain at 8 p.m.; a Sudnay matinee is set for March 27, with the buffet served from noon to 1:30 p.m. and the show at 2 p.m. Ticket prices for all evening shows and Sunday matinee are $50 per adult, with a student ticket (ages 13-18) for $40, and children 12 and under tickets are $30. Show-only tickets are $38 for adults, $34 for students and $30 for children 12 and under.

Two Thursday senior matinees are planned for March 31 and April 7 (the house opens at 11 a.m., with the show at noon; tickets are $19 bring-your-own-lunch, or you may order a Chaffin's boxed lunch for an additional $8.50).

For reservations, call (615) 646-9977 and for further details about upcoming shows at Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre, visit the company website at www.dinnertheatre.com.

Pictured (left to right) Scott Costner, Tammie Whited and Derek Whittaker.