The Promise Players theater group will present "High Cotton" for its spring production at Lampeter Church of the Brethren, 1900 Lampeter Road, Lancaster, on Friday to Sunday, March 17 through 19, and Thursday to Sunday, March 23 through 26. The Thursday and Friday shows will be held at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays will have a 2:30 p.m. matinee and a 7:30 p.m. show, and Sundays will have a 5 p.m. show to close the weekend.

Tickets are able to be purchased in advance but will be sold at the door on a first-come-first-served basis if they are still available. Admission for attendees 12 years old or younger may be paid with a donation of a canned good, which the Promise Players will donate to Solanco Neighborhood Ministries' food bank. Child care will be available for young children during the show. To reserve a ticket, visit https://tinyurl.com/highcottonshow.

"High Cotton" takes place in the year 1929, just before the crash of the stock market. The play follows the lives of a wealthy mill owner and his workers and explores the disparity between the upper and lower classes. The story highlights the dynamics between the "haves" and the "have-nots" in a small town, while its characters wrestle with their pride and prejudices toward one another. The production is accompanied by the lively and jazzy music that is characteristic of the Roaring '20s.

"There are a lot of factors that go into selecting a show, but we always look for a show that has a good, strong message," said Dorothy Smith, the director of the play. "To me, the message is redemption. There's hope for everybody."

Smith has been involved with the Promise Players' productions for nearly 10 years, but this is the first play that she is directing for the group. While preparing for the show, she noted that she made an effort to allow each actor to develop his or her character individually. Although Smith provided assistance by guiding the actors in their roles, she wanted to give them an opportunity to influence their roles with their unique personalities and thoughts.

Each of the Promise Players' productions benefits a local nonprofit organization, which is often related to the message of the show. This year, the theater group will donate the funds raised by the play to Solanco Neighborhood Ministries, in addition to donations of canned goods. "The show focuses on the 'haves' and the 'have-nots,' so we thought it would be fitting to support a local organization that helps people who are struggling financially," Smith said.