People believe it’s safe to talk in front of Charlie because they don’t think he understands.

AUBURN – Community Little Theatre’s production of “The Foreigner” provides just the right amount of fun while we wait (and hope!) for the prospects of a January thaw. The first time director, Linda Britt, has pulled together a great ensemble that keeps this Larry Shue script pouring out improbable situations, interesting characters and a wild look at how we define “foreigners” – those who sound different from us.

Set in a fishing lodge in Georgia over the course of three days, “The Foreigner” is a farce based on one simple premise: Charlie Baker (Keith Anctil) is shy.

In his own words, he is “shatteringly, profoundly boring,” and his wife back home lets him know this by sleeping around with more interesting men.

So when he has to stay at this lodge (a place with a fabulous set design by Bill Hamilton) while his buddy goes out on Army maneuvers, he is mortified at the prospect of dealing with the strangers who live there.

As a solution, his buddy (Jason Pelletier) tells everyone Charlie is a foreigner and doesn’t speak or understand English.

Spilling secrets

There aren’t too many foreigners in Tilghman County, Ga., much to the regret of the simple and sweet Betty Meeks (Janet Gibson), who owns the lodge – and much to the delight of the local bad guys, David Lee (Marcel Dubois) and Owen Musser (Roger Philippon), who are involved in some sinister activities.

And so once the stage is set, one hilarious situation after another ensues. First it’s the basic idea of people speaking freely about their secrets in front of Charlie, thinking he can’t understand them.

Then it’s the dimwitted Ellard Simms (Nathan White) trying to teach him English and the sweet-hearted Catherine (Kristin Boucher), David’s fiancée, pouring her heart out to him that create a string of comic and poignant moments.

And as things go on, Charlie becomes more than just “the foreigner” – he becomes a real person to everyone, and also to himself. (Whether by choice or chance, it’s great that this show is playing during L-A’s diversity week celebrations!) Believe it or not, this is a farce with heart.

Roger, the redneck

While this show is truly an ensemble effort, Anctil is the anchor of the effort. He brilliantly gives Charlie realism, depth, empathy and humor. This guy has tremendous comic timing and uses an array of subtle nuances to enhance his character. His monologue, in which he tells a story in his “native language,” is not to be missed.

And the rest of the cast certainly have their wonderful moments. Particularly engaging are White’s portrayal of the dimwitted youngster who becomes rather smart after teaching the “foreigner” English and Philippon’s wonderfully good “bad guy.” This is a complete transformation for Philippon who usually plays the “good guy” or comic lead. His performance as a Southern redneck was so convincing, it had me reading the program once again to confirm it was him.

Sunday’s matinee performance had more than its share of technical glitches from missed lighting cues to humming sounds from equipment and speakers.

The show also runs very long and could benefit from some quicker pacing of lines and scenes.

Overall, the show succeeds because of Britt’s sharp directing, great casting and its ability to make the audience laugh.

Tickets are $13 and $11 for seniors and full-time students. Reservations can be made by calling the box office at 783-0958 or ordering online at www.laclt.com.

Curtain is at 8 p.m. on Jan. 15, 16 and 17, and 2 p.m. on Jan. 18. All performances are at the Great Falls Performing Arts Center, Academy Street in Auburn.