Concert goers shared suspense, romance and laughs at the Saturday night opening of the “The Foreigner.”

“The Foreigner” was held in The Grand Little Theatre. Executive Director Ann Sessions said that 120 community members were in attendance at the Saturday showing. The space was crammed, but people were eager to watch the performance.

“The Foreigner” is a quirky story written by Larry Shue, an American playwright and actor. Shue’s story is of shy Englishman known as Charlie Baker. While on vacation Charlie unexpectedly finds his personality deep in the woods of Georgia, but not without some trouble.

Sessions said play members volunteer their time for two months to put on a great show.  This of course couldn’t be done without the persistence of a director. Bob Carr, a founder of the theatre guild, who directed “The Foreigner”.  Sessions said he sticks to the original script, as he’s supposed to.

“Bob ultimately focuses on the characters and their performance which is what it’s all about.” Said Sessions.

Actors and actresses in the play come from all backgrounds said Sessions. Among the cast were a legal assistant, a librarian and even a professor.

UW-Eau Claire chemistry professor Kurt Wiegel plays the lead character, Charlie. Wiegel’s role allowed for him to dip into a new field and learn a new language.

“I am exploring communication through gibberish. It’s not unlike raising children.” Wiegel said.

Jenna Quinn, one of the Eau  Claire students, said community members roared with laughter at his newfound ability. Quinn said she was surprised when she found out Wiegel was a professor; she assumed acting was his forte.

“When students see professors on stage it really speaks to what community theatre is, you get to see a completely different side of someone compared to their daily jobs,” Sessions said.

The Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild has been host to close to 200 plays since first opening in 1981.  Classics like “Oklahoma” and new scripts such as “The Hobbit” have been crowd favorites. Sessions said different age groups attend depending on the story being told.

“It is usually a mix of different generations but I would love to see more students involved,” Sessions said. “For those on campus it’s almost like walking to McPhee”

Doors open at 7:30 p.m. March 13-14 for performances of “The Foreigner” as well as at 1:30 p.m. March 16.  Cost is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, $8 for kids under 18 and only $10 for students.