SALT Performing Arts will present its first local playwright production, "Best-Laid Plans for Romance," at its black box theater in West Chester.

The show will be staged on Fridays, Jan. 14 and 21, at 7 p.m.; Saturdays, Jan. 15 and 22, at 7 p.m.; and Sundays, Jan. 16 and 23, at 2 p.m. Opening night will feature champagne and formal attire. Audience members at the Jan. 22 performance will have the opportunity to participate in a cast talkback discussion immediately following the show.

"The Best-Laid Plans for Romance" is an original two-act play written by West Chester resident Michael Tarringer. The dramedy focuses on Max and Ruth Green, who are empty nesters. Their daughter, Maggie, doesn't have time for double-dating with her roommate, between work, taking college classes at night and refereeing her parents' arguments.

While Max appears to only be passionate about baseball, the advice he gets from his daughter and friends inspires Max to try to reconnect with his wife. The show explores the relationships between father and daughter, mother and daughter, husband and wife and old and new friends.

The play also weaves in observations about society, how people look and communicate, social and print media, how the things that people say and do can help or hurt one another and the steps people can take to heal when they think there's no hope.

The cast includes Carey Rumpf as Max Green, Lauren Rozensky Flanagan as Ruth Green, Bryanna Pye as Maggie Green, Jerry Rawson as Ira Feinberg, Katrya Oransky-Petyk as Faye Lawson, Meghan Sudol Crook as Laura Fields, Greg Kasander as David Becker, Peter Phillips as Don Carter and Madison Niness as Doc.

The crew includes director Tarringer, stage manager Anton Patriarca, assistant stage manager Maddie Novak, costume designer Elizabeth Tozer, props master Laurey Zoladz, set and tech designers Rob Merow and David Craig, marketing director and house manager Judy Elliott, promotional photographer Mike Styer and producer Lauren McComas.

The SALT theater is located at 19 Hagerty Blvd., West Chester. Seating will be general admission at full capacity. All ticket sales are final. Individuals who need handicapped-accessible seating are asked to email Elliott at jelliott@saltpa.com to arrange front row seating for their party.

Per current CDC guidelines, masks are recommended indoors in Chester County. SALT is asking all audience members both vaccinated and unvaccinated to wear masks at all times indoors. Performers will be unmasked

Because of adult themes, the show is rated PG-13. For tickets or more information, visit http://www.saltpa.com/bestlaidplansforromance.