Actors with Players of the Stage, a local Christian theater group, have been rehearsing their version of "The Amateurs" for the past two months.

This three-act play is based on John Kendrick Bangs book, "The Bicyclers and Three Other Farces."

The play tells the story of a group of friends from the 1880s who are amateurs at everything they do, including riding a bicycle.

Matthew Buonanno portrays Robert Yardsley. Stephen Gahman plays Jack Barlow.

"Yardsley is quite amazing," Buonanno said. "He is a bachelor, good spirited, witty and likes to poke fun at his friends.

"Sometimes he says a little too much and gets himself in trouble. He enjoys having a good time in the end, and loves his friends."

Buonanno said he enjoyed finding the right emotions to complement Yardsley's wittiness and poking fun at his friends.

"It feels somewhat natural to play him because of the way he addresses his problems," Buonanno said. "It is an interesting combination of off-the-cuff and the realization that what he is saying will end up causing trouble later."

Buonanno said he is somewhat the same in addressing problems in the short- and long-term.

"I also like to think I am good natured and he [Yardsley] is a lot like me," Buonanno said.

Gahman commented on his role as Yardsley's friend.

"Basically me [Barlow] and Yardsley are best of friends," Gahman said. "Barlow is pretty much a freelance bachelor.

"It is easy to play him, because he is a lot like me and his life is a lot like mine."

Makenna Masenheimer discussed her role as Bess Perkins.

"Bess Perkins is a very melodramatic woman," Masenheimer said. "This really comes out in the second act when they perform the play, but it is shown throughout both acts." Her husband, Thaddeus Perkins, is what Bess focuses on, Masenheimer said.

"In the first act, when he learns to ride a bicycle, she is concerned about him," she said. "In the second act, she is a bit annoyed with him, so there are some good interactions there."

Masenheimer said playing Bess is a challenge for her as her character is older and married.

"Our personalities are not very similar," Masenheimer said. "But I have really been trying to focus on character interactions and relationships to bring her to life."

"I love playing melodramatic characters, because you get to let loose."

The play is directed by Marian Barshinger.

"The Amateurs" is the title we gave to three of the four one acts by Bangs," Barshinger said. "It has been a challenge to make the play flow smoothly being there were four one acts."

Barshinger said the play is unlike anything the group has presented before.

"It is a simple fun comedy to make you laugh," Barshinger said. "It does not offer any specific message."

"The Amateurs" will be performed 7 p.m. on Oct. 25, 26 and 27 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 27 at Living Hope Presbyterian Church, 330 Schantz Road, Lower Macungie Township.

Tickets for all performances are free, however, a free-will offering will be taken to benefit Care Net Centers of the Lehigh Valley, which provides resources to young women facing the challenges of pregnancy.

For tickets or more information, contact Beth Barshinger at 610-923-6742 or email potstickets@ gmail.com.