ASHFIELD — Five Irish sisters, a faltering priest, an unreliable salesman and a young boy will make their stage debut Friday at Ashfield Community Theater’s first show since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Dancing at Lughnasa” will be performed at Ashfield Town Hall on Fridays, April 14 and 21, and Saturdays, April 15 and 22, at 7 p.m. There will also be a matinee at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 16.

The play, which is supported in part by cultural council grants, includes lots of laughs for the audience.

“It’s a break from the news. It is two hours of jokes and singing and dancing,” said producer Jackie Walsh. “It is escapism.”

Walsh explained Ashfield Community Theater organizers picked “Dancing at Lughnasa” to perform due to its large number of female roles and the Irish setting. The play focuses on themes of religious tolerance, which Walsh said audiences will relate to in today’s climate. It was written by Brian Friel and is being directed by Joan Koester.

Ashfield Community Theater has produced plays performed by regional actors for two decades. Although some of the participating actors have been in numerous other community theater shows, others are trying out theater for the first time, Walsh said.

“We are super talented,” she said of the performers.

There will also be a rotating cast of Irish musicians who will play traditional music before each show and during intermission.

“This adds a nice touch to the play,” Walsh said.

Tickets for the evening performances, which are $14 for adults and $10 for children, are available at the door. The Sunday matinee costs $10, and Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cardholders can get discounted tickets for $5.

Bella Levavi can be reached at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com.

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