“To Fool the Eye,” this weekend’s Theatre Simpson production, is a light-hearted comedy that will seek to capture its audience’s attention and steal their hearts, according to those involved.

“To Fool the Eye” is a unique and well-done combo of comedy and romance and that’s all wrapped inside a really well-written language,” said director Tom Woldt, assistant professor of theater.

The story is one that deals with the issues relating to loss and how people cling to what is familiar to us.

Prince Albert, who is played by freshman Victor May, lost the love of his life. His rich aunt, the Duchess, played by senior Sue Gerver, tries to recapture the memory of the lost love by bringing Amanda, played by Katie Braden, into the picture. The character of Amanda serves as a look-alike for the Princes’ dead love.

“To Fool the Eye” is a production about how people preserve love versus how a person preserves memory,” said Woldt.

“It will hopefully have audiences caring about the characters and leaving with smiles on their faces,” said Braden.

Braden said of her character, “I like playing Amanda because she is the kind of woman who goes after what she wants. She is willing to stand up to people and to take risks.”

Working on this production hasn’t been easy for the cast. “To Fool the Eye” has challenging scenery and costumes.

This play has four various sets, 20 characters with more than one costume each, and is set in the 1930’s in France. “To Fool An Eye” also has a musical component with singing gypsies.

Woldt had another challenge facing him with lighting. A guest lighting designer was scheduled to come from Chicago, but had to cancel. Woldt now serves as the director and the lighting designer.

With all challenges aside, “To Fool the Eye” is expected to be well-fitted to the Simpson community.

Braden said, “Simpson students will like this play because it appeals on so many levels. It has drama, romance, and a lot of humor.”

It’s an honest love story, it’s intriguing and has a lot of heart, said Woldt. “It serves the student company well.”

The shows will be at 7 p.m. March 22-23 and 1 p.m. March 24 in the Pote Theatre. Tickets are free to Simpson students and faculty, $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens, $4 for non-Simpson students and $2 for childen 12 and under.

Also, for $20, tickets are still available for the dinner theater that starts at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.