“Cash On Delivery” was written by Michael Cooney, and is described as a fast-paced British comedy dealing with a con artist trying to scam money out of welfare. Once the authorities are on to him, he has to set out and prove every one of his scams true as his con spirals out of control.

The play is directed by Michael Shoopman and the cast consists of Matt McColley, Rex Daisy, Jeff Bluml, Buzz Powers, Mari Newman, Timi Jordison, Jess Barkhaus, Ann Powers, Tim Olson, Kayla Harlow, and Martha Kersbergen.

“I found the original script and thought it read hilarious,” said Shoopman.

He continued saying, “We did the show in 2002 at Hawkeye Theatre. The show was sold out for that first production, and was by far the best attended show of the venue with over 900 attending and more wanting in. The script as stated is very funny, but once it gets wrapped in a set and actors it becomes an insanely wild ride of laughter.”

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
-Messenger photos by Britt Kudla From left, Mari Newman as Linda Swan, Rex Daisy as Norman McDonald, Timi Jordison as Doctor Chapman, Buzz Powers as Mr. Jenkins, and Matthew McColley as Eric Swan rehearses for “Cash on Delivery” on Monday at the Hawkeye Community Theatre. The show opens Wednesday and runs through Saturday.

Shoopman has been a long time collaborator with the Hawkeye Community Theatre.

“I first became involved with Hawkeye Theatre in 1971 in the Red Barn era,” he said. “The stages have changed over the years, but the premise is always stable — tell a story. That’s what I like as a director, to tell a tale and entertain. To take the audience to another time and place,” Shoopman said. “The cast for this show is a troupe of long-time actors. It was a difficult task in some ways as they could fill a variety of roles; but had to pare them down to who fits what the best. In this situation, they are all fantastic. A script is just a skeleton, but the actors are the ones who bring it to life with muscle and sinew to make it happen.”

The Hawkeye Community Theatre has established itself as a longstanding cornerstone of Fort Dodge’s artistic community, whether that’s in regards to the performers or the artists who help design sets and lighting.

“Hawkeye Theatre is a community theater, which means it is a volunteer organization from bottom to top,” Shoopman said. “Those volunteers come from the surrounding communities to fulfill the roles of the board, officers, actors, stage crews, front of house, and directors. They come from varied fields such as medical, business, education, legal, sanitation, construction, etc. It takes everyone pulling in one direction to get productions onto the stage and in front of a paying audience.”

He continued by saying, “Some have a myriad of experiences, while others are so new they shine. No matter how it starts, the end result is a cap of several weeks of hard work to put on a two-hour show. Live theater is always on the edge as the actors never know if something might happen during a performance they were not expecting; a line dropped, a missed entrance, that stupid door that won’t open and so on. The audiences are truly getting a new show every time they attend.”

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
Matthew McColley, of Fort Dodge, rehearses for "Cash on Delivery" on Monday at Hawkeye Community Theatre.

This show promises to be filled with laughs and enjoyment while also standing as an important production for Shoopman.

“This is a fun-filled crazy ride, so do not miss your opportunity to see this very funny play with some great actors,” he said. “This show is dedicated to three actors in the first run 23 years ago that have since passed away: John Skekey, Bob Higghins and Gary Reynolds. Additionally, I am dedicating this show to my long-time friend and mentor who has also passed, Director Gail Niceswanger.”

“Cash On Delivery” will run from Wednesday through Saturday. The shows will be at 7 p.m. each day with a matinee at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets cost $10.

If You Go

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
Rex Daisy, left, of Fort Dodge, and Jess Barkhaus, of Fort Dodge, rehearse for "Cash on Delivery" on Monday at the Hawkeye Community Theatre.

What: Hawkeye Community Theatre production of “Cash On Delivery”

When: 7 p.m Wednesday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Saturday

Where: Hawkeye Community Theatre, 521 N. 12th St.

Admission: $10

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
Timi Jordison, left, as Doctor Chapman, and Mari Newman, as Linda Swan, rehearse for “Cash on Delivery” Monday at the Hawkeye Community Theatre.