Cedar Falls Community Theatre brings humor and family feuds to the stage of the Oster Regent Theatre with the production of "Squabbles."

    The play written by Marshall Karp focuses on Jerry and Alice, a married couple in their 30's who recently discover that Alice is pregnant. While figuring out arrangements with Alice’s recently widowed father who lives with them, Jerry’s mother’s house burns down and she also has to be worked into the living arrangements. "Squabbles" will result in a comedic battle of the in-laws trying to live under the same roof. 

    "I laughed out loud as I read this play for the first time and that doesn't often happen. I liked the characters immediately and also had a lot of ideas for the staging of the show from the beginning. There is no great lesson to learn in "Squabbles" but it is a lot of fun and does give us some insights about getting along with people. I like that message," Director Gary Baumgartner said.

    Baumgartner worked with the designers to create a set that gives off the vibes of 1964 when color televisions were becoming more popular. Through the usage of primary colors, he set the scene.

    Baumgartner also had to do some planning before rehearsals could begin, consisting of blocking, researching and more. He plans for the performers to put six weeks into getting ready for the play, totaling in about 25 to 30 rehearsals.

    Out of the seven actors/actresses performing, five have had affiliations with the University of Northern Iowa at one time or another. Jerry, the husband of the married couple, is played by Christopher Cox, UNI's dean of Rod Library.

    "There's a lot of me in Jerry and a lot of Jerry in me.  I connect with the character particularly when he is nervously attempting to remain 'in charge' as his wife is about to have a baby.  I recall feeling similarly during the birth of my own son, Tyler," said Cox. "I also like the chance to play someone who I'm not, shedding the Library Dean persona and becoming a goofy, 60s sitcom husband for a few nights.  I hope people come and see it.  It's a lot of fun!" 

    Donna Baumgartner plays Mildred, the mother-in-law. She has participated in roughly 30 productions since 1980 and is part of the APPLAUD board. Cedar Falls Community Theatre is supported through APPLAUD.

    "'Squabbles' has been a lot of fun to work on, and we have a very strong cast. Everyone works well together to make a fun and funny show," she said.

    Gary Baumgartner said that the first weekend had a good outcome with good crowds and expects more people this coming weekend.

    "Squabbles" will have three more showings. Thursday, Oct. 9 and Saturday, Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 and student tickets are $10. Ticket offices for the Oster Regent Theatre are open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or can be purchased before the show.