BETHEL – Something familiar is returning to Bethel.

It’s the Bethel Inn’s Dinner Theater, which will present “The Legend of Lefty,” a two-play western comedy, Wednesday, Sept. 10, and Friday, Sept. 12.

The comedy includes “Lefty on Trial,” by Ross Timberlake, and “Cactus Juice Saloon,” which was performed last year by the Western Mountains Senior Players, a course offered by Western Mountains Senior College.

Timberlake played Lefty in this skit and developed the sequel, describing it as “a natural for a live dinner theater audience.” He approached the Bethel Inn, which had held dinner theaters in the mid-1980s, and found it eager to reprise the arts event.

Bethel Community Players will present “The Legend of Lefty” as a 4 o’clock matinee Sept. 10, admission $10; and as a full dinner theater show at 7 p.m. Sept. 12, admission $25 ($40 per couple), reservations only, limited seating. A barbecue buffet of chicken and ribs will be served. A cash bar will be available.

Bethel Performing Arts Project volunteer coordinators Timberlake and Lynn Arizzi, have been serving as artistic director and creative director, respectively, for this production. BPAP was developed to revitalize downtown Bethel by utilizing the performing arts to draw residents and visitors to stores, cafes, churches and inns.

The production centers on the trial of Lefty, a suspected bank robber, with many twists and unexpected turns. Humorous and extraordinary characters show up to either accuse or defend Lefty. Among them are the sheriff, played by Joe Arizzi; his deputy played by Amy Farrington; the prosecutor played by Liz Forkus; Lacey and Miss Samantha Lucchesse played by Rosabelle Tifft; Lefty’s mom played by Lorrie Hoeh; Lefty’s lawyer, Snagglebottom, played by Sharon Lyon; Lefty’s partner, Righty, played by Tom Coolidge; and Righty’s girlfriend, Miss Carriage, played by Elaine Hutchins. The judge, played by Roberta Taylor, and the most unusual jury members bring about a startling conclusion to the play.

The Cowboy Mimes, played by Karen Paul and Carole Timberlake, make the most of audience interaction, but it’s the audience members who help with the final verdict.

For information and reservations, call the Bethel Inn on Broad Street at 824-2175 or Timberlake at 824-6545.

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