After all, the curtain will go up, marking Fetterman’s directorial debut.

During the initial read through of the script, the cast could not contain their laughter within the light-hearted comedy — written by Don Zolidis — with more drama and love triangles than modern reality TV. It seemed like a good fit for an article going out with Valentine’s Day around the corner.

“Some rehearsals ran long,” said Fetterman, referring to the rehearsals that were filled with uncontrollable laughter from the cast. “We try to watch the time with our rehearsals, but that wasn’t always attainable.”

Hopefully, the cast enjoying the script translates to a similar experience for those in the audience.

Fetterman is being mentored by Katye Long, who is also her mother. Long is a veteran director and has offered sage advice to her daughter in her rookie role. In addition to being a mentor, Long is also serving as stage manager and overseeing set design.

Emile Boulanger is handling lights, sound and set construction, while Jeff Yetter is handling props.

The cast includes Max Gagliardo as Sarah Dowling, Morgan Miller as Abigail Dowling, Colette Hartzler as Helena Dowling and Abby Fleming as Mary O’Donnell.

There’s also Brandon Smith as Brinsley, Mundo Lopez as Richard Muffinbridge, Chad Fetterman as Edgar Allan Poe, Zachary Jost as Rufus Griswold and Alex Benner as Henry Whitford.

“It’s a good cast,” Long added. “They’ve bonded well together and become a true ensemble.”

Fetterman did direct smaller shows in 2019 and 2020, but this marks her first larger, full-length production.

“It should be a great time, so we hope people will come out and see it,” Fetterman said. “There is so much humor in the show, it will be challenging for the cast to pause and allow enough time for the audience to laugh without breaking their character, but they will succeed.”

Set in 1848, “The Tell-Tale Farce” tells the story of Richard (Lopez), who is madly in love with Sarah (Gagliardo), the niece of a wealthy widow (Hartzler), as he goes to any length in his desperate attempt to court her.

Unfortunately, Abigail (Miller), the widow’s granddaughter, is not happy with her fiancé’s (Benner) lack of … everything and has concluded that she is in love with the rakish and desirable Poe (Chad Fetterman).

Enter Sarah’s fiancé Rufus (Jost) to further complicate matters. Meanwhile Brinsley (Smith), the butler, tries his best to avoid a dalliance with the Irish harridan maid (Fleming).”

Intrigued yet? If so, make sure to come by the Theatre in the Park at Kishacoquillas Park in Lewistown and check out a show. “The Tell-Tale Farce” will be running from Friday, Feb. 28 through Sunday, March 16, with performances Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m., and a matinee Sunday at 2 p.m.

“I’ve been a big fan of Edgar Allan Poe since I was younger,” Fetterman explained of why this play was selected. “This show has quite the twist to it.

“It definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat and draws you in,” Fetterman added.

Playing Poe is harder than it looks, especially when your mustache keeps falling off, the teenage grand-daughter of the house is lusting after you, and Poe’s arch-nemesis, Rufus Griswold, just happens to be dropping by to settle old scores. A freewheeling, door-slamming farce with a touch of the macabre.

“There are definitely a lot of twists and turns to it,” Long said. “It’s action-packed and very high energy. It’s also hilarious.”

“The Tell-Tale Farce” also marks the Stone Arch Players debut for Benner and Jost. Lopez is also making his second cast appearance.

“It’s been wonderful,” Fetterman said of learning the directorial ropes. “My cast has been very patient with me, knowing this is my first big show, especially if I get stumped where to put people or find costumes that work for the show.”

Long joked, “I’ve had to fill both roles — as a mother and a mentor for the show. She’s definitely taken the lead.”

Since “The Tell-Tale Farce” is a period piece, the Stone Arch Players have tried to keep the sets and wardrobes as authentic as they can for the time frame.

“Thank you to my mother for mentoring me, and thank you to all the actors, actresses and crew for their patience. Small shows are definitely easier than big shows, but this big show is going to be amazing.”

General admission tickets cost $15. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28 and March 7 and 14; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 1, 8 and 15; and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 9 and 16.

Ticket requests can be made by calling (717) 248-2224 or email tickets4sap@gmail.com.