The plot of the long running Off- Broadway comedy, by Larry Shue, centers around a morose Englishman named Charlie, played by Bob Andrews, whose unfaithful wife has convinced him that he is one of the world’s dullest men. A friend of his, an army explosives expert named Froggy, portrayed by Lonnie Ford, convinces Charlie to come along to Georgia and spend some time at Betty Meek’s Fishing Lodge. Charlie, deeply depressed, does not want to meet or talk to anyone, so Froggy introduces him as a foreigner who cannot speak or understand English. The reaction of the various characters to Charlie, the now exotic foreigner, says a great deal about human nature and makes for what the New York Times describes as “inspired and lunatic comedy.”

According to Director Allison Studdiford, “This side splitting comedy is almost 40 years old and as timely as the day it was written. Full of rich characters, stocked with multiple twists and turns, performed by an extremely talented local cast of folks. We are having at least as much fun creating this play as our audience will watching it!”

Along with Andrews and Ford the cast includes Mary Ellen Dowling, Laura Menzie, Ryan J. Hutchins, Brenden Gotham and Christopher Leifheit.

The Foreigner opens this Friday, Aug. 16, at 8 p.m., with a reception following the performance, and continues Aug. 17, 20 – 24, 27- 31 and Sept. 5, 6, 7 at 8 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees Aug. 25, Sept. 1 and 8.

Clockwise from top, Brenden Gotham, Laura Menzie and Bob Andrews act out a scene from “The Foreigner,” which opens Friday at Pendragon Theatre. (Photo provided — Burdette Parks)

“Talk Backs will follow the matinees.

Ticket prices are $30 for adults, $25 for ages 25 and younger, $10 for ages 12 and younger, $20 for local, year-round residents within the 129** zip code and for all matinee seats. Tickets can be purchased by calling 518-891-1854 or visiting www.pendragontheatre.org.

Pendragon is a year-round professional theatre located at 15 Brandy Brook Ave. in Saranac Lake.

Bob Andrews and Mary Ellen Dowling act in a scene from Pendragon Theatre’s “The Foreigner,” which opens Friday. (Photo provided — Burdette Parks)