“La Gringa” is about a young woman who visits Puerto Rico to find her roots.

Its themes of family and heritage will be enjoyed by everyone, no matter what part of the world your ancestors came from.

There are dramatic moments, but the production of the play, through March 29, The Pennsylvania Playhouse, Bethlehem, has a breezy touch overall with many comedic moments.

The March 20 performance was seen for this review.

“La Gringa,” written by Carmen Rivera-Tirado, has a Spanish and English version. The Pennsylvania Playhouse production is in English.

“La Gringa” is the longest-running Spanish off-Broadway play. At times, it has been performed bi-lingually. “La Gringa” translates as “The American,” reflecting the outsider status the play’s protagonist Maria works to overcome.

Maria (Tatiana Torres) is visiting the home in Puerto Rico of her aunt Norma (Sonia Collazo Strockyj).

Norma’s daughter Iris (Julisa Trinidad) can’t find a job.

Family and neighbors think that Maria’s plans to move to Puerto Rico and work there are naive.

Norma’s brother Manolo (Charles Dalrymple), who is confined upstairs because of illness, is more welcoming. He and Maria form a friendship that motivates him to leave his room after many years.

A neighbor Ramon (Justin Ferguson) tries to help Maria by inviting her to work on his farm.

Torres is sparkling in her cheery excitement, later tempered by painful disappointments as she tries to adjust.

Strockyj has a more serious part as she displays her doubts about the ownership of the house, paid for by American relatives.

The conflict culminates in a touching scene between her and her husband Victor (Nick Lopez, who is the play’s director).

Trinidad plays well with Torres with respect to their characters’ tension and friendship.

Dalrymple is appealing as a wise fool regaining control of his movements and his life.

The set, designed by Brett Oliveira, who also designed the lighting, is a kitchen with a dining table; appliances and a sink are along the back. Manolo’s bedroom is created with two chairs, one a lounger, on a platform a few steps above the main stage.

Other scenes, for the farm, cemetery and rain forest, are represented by photographs projected on a screen above the stage.

Costume designer is Todd Burkel

The range in performances and moods makes the play, at little more than two hours, move quickly.

”La Gringa” has important themes that are never forced on the audience. Instead, they come to you with humor and heart, particularly in this production with uniformly great acting.

“La Gringa,” 7:30 p.m. March 20, 21, 28; 3 p.m. March 29, Pennsylvania Playhouse, 390 Illick’s Mill Road, Bethlehem. 610-865-6665, http://www.paplayhouse.org/