An American salute to English comedies is at the heart of the Richland Players' next production, The Fox on the Fairway, which opens Nov. 2 at The Players Theatre.

And in vintage English fashion, the play promises plenty of plot twists, tomfoolery, mistaken identity and the tenacious comedic pace that playwright Ken Ludwig is known for. His comedy Lend Me a Tenor earned nine Tony nominations.

"As soon as I started reading the script for The Fox on the Fairway, I knew this was the show for me," said director Carolyn Parker. "It's a belly laugh farce, (and) it takes me back to when I was a kid watching old-time comedies with my dad and laughing our heads off."

Parker is sure the audience, especially those who love the game of golf, will be equally entertained watching the silly shenanigans.

The plot centers around the heated rivalry between Bingham, the uptight manager of the Quail Valley Country Club, and his annoying nemesis Dickie, who manages the Crouching Squirrel Country Club.

Golfers at the two clubs are preparing for the annual tournament, and Bingham is tired of losing to Dickie, so he decides to bring in a ringer to boost his club's chances at winning.

Things get even stickier when Bingham decides to place a personal bet -- his wife Muriel's antique shop.

Freddy Izaguirre plays Bingham and Bill McMahon is Dickie. Kristin Lerch is Muriel. The rest of the cast includes MaryAnne Wuennecke as Pamela, Samantha Curtis as Louise and E.J. Brewer as Justin.

The plays runs at 8 p.m. Nov. 2-3, 9-10 and 16-17 with 2 p.m. matinees Nov. 11 and 18. Cost is $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and students. Tickets are available at the box office. The theater is at 610 The Parkway.

*Dori O'Neal: 582-1514; doneal@tricityherald.com