The St. Johnsbury Players present Tom Griffin’s “Amateurs,” October 9-September 11 at 7:30 PM and October 12 at 3:00 PM at the St. Johnsbury School auditorium.

In this comedy directed by William Y. Hyde, a group of actors and friends gather at the home of Dorothy (Bethany Bohall) and Charlie (Terry Klein) to celebrate opening night of the Timberly Troupers’ latest show. Guests include Nathan (Asa Sukkaew), a substitute teacher with a passion (but no talent) for ventriloquism; the boisterous Ernie (Karen Thompson) and his wife Irene (Erika Thompson); aspiring movie star Jennifer (Marianne Barnett); the wisecracking Wayne (Bill Vinton); and Mona (Jordan Timmons), who was once a Troupe member and Wayne’s lover but has moved on from both. Respected theater critic Paul Cortland (Damian Ryan) is also in attendance, but the evening takes an emotional turn when Paul suffers a heart attack and is rushed to the hospital. In the chaos, he drops his review of the show, and his scathing critique catches the actors off guard. What ensues is a fascinating examination of local theater, ego and human desire.

“Amateurs” is sponsored by Passumpsic Savings Bank, Union Bank, and Community National Bank. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $8 for students and seniors. For more information, visit stjohnsburyplayers.org.