Lower Macungie Middle School Theatre will present its fall comedy “The Servant of Two Masters” 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21, 22 and 23 in the school’s auditorium. General admission seating tickets will be available at the door.

Written by the Italian playwright Carlo Goldoni in 1746, this fast-paced show is set in Venice, Italy in the 18th century and follows quirky and comical Truffaldino who decides to get a job serving two different masters. Being a man who is always hungry, this will ensure a greater supply of food and double his income.

The fun and complications ensue as Truffaldino is at an event where he tries to serve both masters simultaneously without either one becoming aware of the other while desperately having his own dinner. Add in some mistaken identity, romance, mix-ups and you come up with an interesting adventure.

This original is a first-time performance at LMMS with a cast of 14, two stage managers and total crew of about 40. Director Patrick Campbell chose the play and remembers having a lot of fun performing this same play in his college days.

The students seem to have the same enjoyment as stated during rehearsal.

Sarah Greene is part of the crew moving props and furniture during set changes. “It’s fun, I’ve been doing it (theater) for the third fall comedy,” Greene said. She enjoys being part of the crew and says the hard work is worth it. Encouraging people to attend, she thinks the play is “pretty good, it will make them laugh. It’s fun, a funny play.”

First-time theater participant Chase Simmons plays the part of Silvio Lombardi and describes his character as “he’s this guy who thinks he’s so tough and all he wants to do is stay with Clarice, his fiancée. He’s almost arrogant, he thinks he’s all tough and strong but then he’s just a coward on the inside. He’s also very sensitive too, little things can make him really mad.” Simmons says it is fun being involved in theater; he likes the conversations with the cast and crew. He attributes his sister for his interest in theater beginning in elementary school.

“My sister always did it and I would look up to her. I just wanted to do theater and I always had such fun and wanted to continue in middle school,” Simmons said. He said the main character Truffaldino, who is also his favorite, has a lot of challenges that you want to say “you can do it, you can do it. He’s always talking about food, he’s just an energetic person just doing everything – he’s just a clown.”

Although this play due to the time period, style of speech and fast pace is a little challenging Simmons says, “it’s very funny, there’s lots of moments when the audience can just laugh at it; it’s a very interesting plot – you won’t be bored, a lot is going on. People should just come see it they will really enjoy it, it’s just an all-around great play.”

Stage manager Ryan Baig likes his part in the production. Being in tech the past two years he wanted to have the experience of leading the group. He describes the play as “pretty funny and pretty interesting too.” He says the characters are relatable, “real people” despite the time period. He said he can relate to Truffaldino, sometimes taking the risk for more and juggling time and energy like students do in school who are involved in several activities along with academics. “Mr. Campbell – he’s great, he makes it work. At the end of this whole thing I feel like it is rewarding, and you feel good about yourself. It’s hard work but you get the reward.”

Baig encourages other students to “always sign up and try out. If you don’t make it in the fall don’t be discouraged, try out in the spring. The best part of being the stage manager according to Baig, “you have a good experience with all these people, actors and crew. You get a sense about and learn more about how to be a leader and how to lead.”

Lauren Bendekovits is a waitress in the play and agrees the play is relatable to students who try to do several things at the same time.

“Absolutely with clubs for sure. It’s crazy. Mr. Campbell, what an inspiration, he absolutely makes it work.” She loves playing a waitress interacting with so many people. She describes herself as “a huge extrovert, I love working with people, love to act, it’s always been a hobby of mine. I used to perform in front of my parents, that was always a blast. I love everything about it; being on stage, the lights, it was always a dream.”

Bendekovits agrees this is a more challenging play with the different time period, no cellphones, not wearing certain jewelry or clothes. Bendekovits said the play is so fast-paced with back to back lines but says it’s awesome. She describes her character as “absolutely sassy, doesn’t like to be told exactly what to do, doesn’t like being yelled at, and having attitude but a really fun character.”

Bendekovits wants people to know “this play is so funny and interactive, it’s so interactive with the audience we’re always talking to them and trying to get them in, so they have a great time. The set is cool, the props are cool, I think it would be awesome for people to go see it.”