The Bigfork Community Players will open Woody Allen’s comedy, “Don’t Drink the Water,” at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, Feb. 26, at 7:30 p.m. Performances continue Saturday, Feb. 27, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 28, at 2 p.m.

Written and originally produced at the height of the Cold War in 1966, this play takes the audience to a small state somewhere in Europe in the mid-1960s. Populated almost entirely by atheistic Communists, the country is likely run by a recent but untested party head of state, who is never seen. The audience becomes intimately familiar with his sadistic head of the police force, who views everyone foreign as a spy who should be hanged first and tried later. Into this environment wanders a New Jersey caterer, having limited tolerance for the intricacies of international diplomacy. He and his family seek asylum at the American embassy, which by the unfortunate timing of political ambition is left in the hands of a young romantic who can’t understand why everyone doesn’t just tell it like it is.

“The characters are written so well,” said Tony Nelson, who plays Axel Magee. “It’s an organically funny show and a well-rounded story. It’s funny. People will laugh a lot.”

“Don’t Drink the Water” was Allen’s first script produced on Broadway. Allen’s career began as a joke writer and stand-up comedian, a gift that shows through in the writing of this script.

“When I first read this script, I was laughing on every page,” said David Vale, president of the Bigfork Community Players’ board and acting the part of Walter Hollander in this production. “It’s a very funny, very fast-moving, very engaging play.”

Vale had originally signed on to direct the play, but ceded that duty to Bigfork newcomer and veteran director Larry Lefcourt.

“I’ll have to admit that this play probably would not have made it onto my radar screen as I’m not generally a fan of Woody Allen,” said Lefcourt in a press release. “But after I read it and now that we’re into production, I can say that it is absolutely hilarious.”

Lefcourt moved to Bigfork from the San Francisco Bay Area in June 2015. He brings with him more than 25 years of experience working behind the scenes for ballet, opera, community and professional theater productions.

“It’s a totally different way of life here,” Lefcourt said. “I love it.”

Another Bigfork Community Players and Montana newcomer is Tom Hicks, who plays the part of Father Drobney.

“I’ve wanted to do this [acting] my whole life,” Hicks said. “Everyone was immediately accepting and so supportive. I’m having a blast.”

Michele Shapero, who directed Steel Magnolias last fall, plays Walter’s wife Marion.

“I love being part of this play and part of this company,” she said in a press release. “We decided two years ago, as a company, to concentrate on comedies. Now in our second season, I feel we’re really on a roll.”

“Don’t Drink the Water” will be performed at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts, 526 Electric Ave. in Bigfork. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and $5 for children younger than 12. Tickets are available in advance at Bigfork Drug, the Pocketstone Cafe, the Kalispell Grand Hotel, and online at www.bigforkcommunityplayers.com. Tickets will also be available at the door.

For more information, visit www.bigforkcommunityplayers.com.

“If you like to laugh,” said Hicks, “come see this play!”

Entertainment Editor Stefanie Thompson can be reached at 758-4439 or ThisWeek@dailyinterlake.com.