The poster shows an Eastward view of downtown Toledo, with the famous stoplight on full display. Many themes of the show, much like the stoplight, will hit close to home for Tama-Toledo residents.

The Wieting Theatre is set to bring small-town charm to life with its upcoming production of One Stoplight Town, by Tracy Wells, under the direction of local theater legend Mary Fasse-Shaw. The play, which will take the stage this summer, is a heartwarming and humorous look at the lives of people in a town so small you might miss it if you blink.

Set in a one-stoplight town, much like downtown Toledo, the story follows a range of characters as they navigate love, change, and the passage of time. From a grocery store owner resistant to progress to a young couple finding love, a handyman fixing more than just broken objects, and a daughter contemplating leaving home, the play captures the beauty of small-town life in all its complexity.

Fasse-Shaw, a veteran director with more than 50 full-length productions under her belt, was drawn to the play’s theme and its relevance to the Tama-Toledo area.

“The stoplight is a metaphor for life and for change,” she said. “Red means stop what you are doing. Yellow means proceed cautiously. Green is go for it. The stoplight also represents a catalyst for change that some of the townspeople have a hard time adjusting to while others embrace the progress.”

While the Wieting’s summer productions have sometimes followed a two-year cycle, Fasse-Shaw explained that interruptions like COVID-19 and the RAGBRAI in 2023 altered the pattern of community theater. With the play now set to coincide with Toledo’s Stoplight Festival this year, she saw it as the perfect fit.

The production is looking for a diverse cast, with roles ranging from middle school students to older and “cantankerous” town residents. Try-outs will be held May 5-7 from 5-7 p.m. at the Wieting Theatre. Scripts will be available for perusal at both local libraries and the STC High School Library from April 2 to May 2. Those interested in backstage roles are encouraged to attend try-outs and fill out a try-out card.

Fasse-Shaw is assembling a strong production team, including Ellen Moran as the technical director and Jo Love as the stage manager.

“I always want to have as many people involved in the show as possible in some capacity,” she said.

Rehearsals will begin on May 12 and run through early July, leading up to performances the weekend of July 11-13.

“Live theatre is so important,” Fasse-Shaw said. “We’ve truly appreciated the support from the community over the past three summer shows. Live theatre at the Wieting wouldn’t happen without the support of the Wieting Theatre Guild.”

For more information or to schedule an alternate audition time, contact Mary Fasse-Shaw at 641-751-5251 or via email at thespian@iowatelecom.net.