This year's Heartwood Theater and Lincoln Academy's annual youth collaboration is a rollicking comedy. Audiences can prepare for some unexpected, sophisticated student performances and a great evening in the Poe Theater.

"One Man, Two Guvnors" is an unusual challenge for high school actors notes Director Griff Braley. "They've learned much about the style and history of comedy, while rehearsing the play and putting the pieces together,” he said.

The integrated ’60s music, whimsical costumes, great script, and the brief history of the play itself, coming out of the National Theater in London, all contribute to the energy of the run.

After spending much of their time in September learning about Commedia dell'Arte and studying the script, actors quickly leaned and staged the play. It's fast paced and very physical, demanding great energy and focus.

The student band of four musicians and trio of female vocalists are now rehearsing with the cast, and their ’60s skiffle sound is developing quickly, bringing a huge amount of energy and zip to the performance.

As students finish up the technical work, delving into every aspect of production, they're feeling the energy rise toward opening night.

"Overall, I'm very excited that these students have committed to a demanding project like this,” Braley said. “Audiences are really going to love this show and we can't wait to get viewers in the house. For this show, especially, audience energy will be an essential part of the performance experience.”

Performance dates are Oct. 30, 31 and Nov. 5-7 at 7:30 p.m., a Nov. 1 matinee at 3 p.m.,

Reservations are strongly recommended by emailing Heartwood at info@heartwoodtheater.org or calling 207-563-1373 (not Lincoln Academy) for tickets. Student tickets are $8, all adults are $16. Seating is unreserved, unless specifically requested in advance.

The Poe Theater is located at 81 Academy Hill Road in Newcastle. For more information, visit www.heartwoodtheater.org.