Just like coming home

***image1:left***Yuma Community Theater kicks off its new season this weekend and they.ve chosen a real humdinger of a comedic play because this particular season is a little special.

When the curtain rises Friday on the YCT.s first performance, it will mark the local group.s return home to the newly renovated Historic Yuma Theatre. It.s a joyous occasion that has local actors beating audiences to the applause.

"It feels wonderful to be getting back to what YCT has always considered its first home," said Fred Brown, a spokesman for the group. "We have four weekends of four different shows there every year during our time at the theater. It.s a great history."

The group staged its shows at the theater from 1986 to 1994.

Brown added that not only are Yuma.s thespians getting the chance to return to their favorite stage, but they.re being treated to an even better facility this time around.

"It is a beautiful facility and so many improvements have been made," he said.

YCT.s first play for the season will be "How the Other Half Loves," a comedy by Alan Ayckbourn. The show will run today, Saturday and Sunday, as well as the next two weekends. The curtain will rise at 8 p.m. for the Friday and Saturday performances, while matinees on Sundays begin at 2 p.m.

Admission will be $10. The theater box office will open an hour prior to show time. Tickets also are available now at Karin.s Country Corner, All Seasons Florist, Sant Drug and Reasonable Rent A Car.

"How the Other Half Loves" is the story about three couples. The men all work for the same firm and one of the younger men is having an affair with the wife of the oldest. When each returns home suspiciously each night - or early in the morning - they have to invent some unique ways to smooth over matters at home.

Bill Slicker, the play.s director, said a more perfect piece could not have been chosen for the season.s start.

"This is a comedy of errors with such believable characters," Slicker said. "...this mix-master of deception and errors promises to make your evening most enjoyable."

Brown said the fact that Slicker is leading the first production is another reason YCT members are rejoicing. Slicker comes to the group with more than 30 years of experience in theater. Slicker and his wife, Claire, owned a dinner theater back in Iowa.

"He has also directed this show twice before," Brown said of Slicker. "He is tremendously familiar with this show and therefore it should be great for that reason."

YCT.s season will continue with two more Broadway favorites. "Greetings" is slated for February and "Crimes of the Heart" will be performed sometime in March or April.