Photo by Charmain Z. Brackett ( From left) James Holmes, Kurt Christensen, Karen Brotherton, Lowell Williams and Teri Ryan are members of the cast of The Foreigner. It's a show that often comes up in conversations among theater aficionados.

"It's a funny show. It's won lots of awards. Whenever I'm around those who know about theater, if the question is asked about the funniest show you've been in or seen, the answer is often The Foreigner," said Steve Walpert, who is directing the play at the Fort Gordon Dinner Theater.

It runs for three weekends beginning Friday, Sept. 18.

The Foreigner takes place at a Georgia fishing lodge frequented by a British demolitions' expert, Froggy LeSeuer, who often runs sessions at a nearby Army base. On this occasion, he brings along a friend, Charlie, who is extremely shy. So that Charlie doesn't have to worry about interacting with people at the lodge, Froggy tells everyone that Charlie doesn't speak English, and the hilarity ensues.

Teri Ryan, Fort Gordon's Army Family Action Plan program manager, plays Betty Meeks, the lodge owner.

"The characters are unique and funny," said Ryan.

Her character is a challenge.

"The character is stretching me," said Ryan, who plays a woman almost twice her age. "I'm not a Southerner, and the dialect is new. I'm trying to learn the mannerisms Betty needs."

The Foreigner will be staged Sept. 18, 19, 25 and 26 and Oct. 1, 2 and 3. Dinner is at 7 p.m. followed by the performance at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $37 for civilians, $35 for senior citizens, retirees, Department of Army civilians and active duty E7 and above, $28 for active duty E6 and below and $22 for the show only.

Call (706) 793-8552 for more information.