SALADO, TEXAS (Nov. 6, 2008) – The number of performances remaining for "The Foreigner" has dwindled to six, but the laughter has been building for weeks for the southern comedy of manners playing weekends at the Silver Spur Theater through Nov. 15.

Larry Shue's play is about an Englishman who discovers many secrets while visiting an old Georgia lodge under the guise of a foreigner who knows no English. The production is rooted in the great traditions of British farce comedy, but it exhibits a uniquely American spin -- an errant evangelist, a pregnant heiress, a dim-witted brother, a Brit demolition expert, a sweet old proprietor and klutzy Klan visitors.

Performances continue through Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday nights, and at 2 p.m., Saturday matinees. Admission is $15 for adults; $12 for senior citizens, military personnel and students with I.D, and $8 for children. Matinee tickets are $10, $8 and $8, respectively, with group rates also available. For reservations, call 254-947-3456. Due to some very mild profanity and a few intense dramatic moments, parental discretion is advised for children under 12. For more info, visit www.saladosilverspur.com

Preston Kirk of Spicewood, TX steps into the role of Staff Sgt. "Froggy" Leseuer, a guest army instructor who has brought along his shy and morose friend "Charlie." Grainger Esch, Co-founder and Executive Director of the Spur, had handled the "Froggy" role for the past month, but will step into the role of Rev. David Lee for remaining matinees.

Kirk, a Waco native and Baylor University drama and journalism graduate, has performed in more than 20 productions since returning to "the boards" in 2000 after a 31-year absence. The former business editor has appeared on stages in Austin, Fredericksburg, Georgetown, Ingram and Marble Falls and has worked as a principal, supporting actor or extra in 21 films, as well as doing commercial work -- video, web, print and greenscreen.

"This play is imbued with homespun, multi-faceted characters,and a crisp dialog that points Shue's satiric sword toward the greedy and the intolerant rather than the jaded and idle rich," notes Esch, who started the 156-seat proscenium theater about five years ago. "It's underlying messages certainly reverberate in light of the recent presidential election."

Saladoan Tony Blackman plays the sad-shy-playful foreigner Charlie who is seeking respite from his terminally ill wife. Blackman, also the Spur’s Technical Director, has created a charming fishing lodge on the limited stage. Betsy Tyson, President of Salado’s Living Room Theater is "the lovely widow Meeks," the Lodge owner.. The seemingly humble Rev. Lee is played in the evenings by Jacky Dumas of Temple, an professor at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

Newcomer Garrett Clark, 13, of Belton is Ellard the simpleton brother of troubled heiress Catherine Simms, played by Rebekah Grayson of Salado. Tom Rolls, also a local, plays racist county property inspector Owen Musser. Musical Director Nelda Milligan has arranged musical accompaniment for portions of the play, performing it live at dramatic moments in the performances..

“The Foreigner,” now in its 25th year won two Obie Awards, and two Outer Critics Circle Awards. Tragically, Shue died in a plane crash in 1985, not living to witness the continuing popularity of his work