Bringing a big musical to the stage can be a big production for a community theater, especially if you don’t get the numbers, either in the cast or with volunteers helping with the set, costumes and design. Southside Theatre Guild in Fairburn was going to stage “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” this month but didn’t get nearly enough people to cast and staff the show, so “Romance/Romance” will be produced instead. A favorite of the theater’s script committee for many years, “Romance/Romance” was just waiting for its chance to drop into their schedule. While it is sad that the group couldn’t produce the bawdy, rollicking musical this month, “Romance/Romance” will entertain the audience with a wide variety of musical styles, standout performances from some of Southside’s finest performers and an interesting and unique design meant to showcase those performances.

The show consists of two acts linked only by the theme of romance. The first act is set in 1898 and focuses on two wealthy people who find each other after they have adopted less wealthy personas. The question is will their love survive when they know the truth about each other. The second act is set in the modern era and features two couples contemplating the possibility of an affair.

“Romance/Romance” features Jonny May and Diane Mitchell as the lead couple in the first act, while Matthew Drake and Katie O’Neill play supporting roles. May has been with the theater for many years and has appeared in shows like “The Foreigner” and “Bye Bye Birdie”, while Drake was in the Metro Atlanta Theater award winning production of “All My Sons.” Jared Wright is the director of “Romance/Romance.” Peter Morgan served as co-director, while Jane Morgan, Monique Barrett and O’Neill served as choreographers.

The show is a lighthearted musical with a wide variety of musical styles, from Broadway to jazz and pop. “Romance/Romance” features a seven piece orchestra that will fill the house with songs like “I’ll Always Remember the Song” and “Words he Doesn’t Say.”

The set is a mixture of black and white with rotating chalk sketches that serve as backdrops. Wright stated that the set was conceived to place the focus on the performances. In the second act, color is introduced to the set. The show features a few instances of mild profanity.

Showtimes for “Romance/Romance” are 8 p.m., Thursday-Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 1. The show runs through March 7. Tickets are $12 on Thursdays, $15 for adults and $12 for children under 12 for all other performances. Phone 770-969-0956 or visit www.stgplays.com to make your reservations today.

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