MARION —  The Art Center’s first theater production of the year, Ken Ludwig’s “The Fox on the Fairway,” will open March 13. 

The work is a tribute from playwright Ken Ludwig (Be My Baby) to the great English farces of the 1930s and 1940s, The Fox on the Fairway takes audiences on a comedic romp, which pulls the rug out from underneath the stuffy denizens of a private country club. 

The cast includes Ricardo Aguiar, Alane Carbone, Stephanie Lawrence, Ashley E. Payne, Chris Podrecca, and Ian Vincent. Performances are scheduled Friday, March 13 through Sunday, March 15 and Thursday, March 19 through Sunday, March 22. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday performances will begin at 7:30 p.m., while Sunday matinees will begin at 2 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now in person or by phone to art center members for $18 each. Tickets will be available online and to nonmembers ($20) beginning Feb. 21. There are a limited number of cabaret tables  with seating for four available. Advanced purchases are strongly recommended.

The Marion Art Center will hold auditions for “Native Gardens” by Karen Zacarías starting Saturday, Feb. 29. 

The first audition will take place from 10 a.m. to noon with the second on Sunday, March 1 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Marion Art Center.

In the comedy, Pablo, a high-powered lawyer, and doctoral candidate Tania, his very pregnant wife, are realize the American dream when they purchase a house next door to community stalwarts Virginia and Frank. But a disagreement over a long-standing fence line soon spirals into an all-out war of taste, class, privilege, and entitlement. 

Director Kate Fishman will be casting the following roles: Pablo, a Latino in his late 20s-early 30s; Tania, a Latina in her late 20s-early 30s; Virginia, female, 50s and up; Frank, male, 50s and up. Actors’ appearance should read as indicated. There are also four adult non-speaking roles for anyone who is interested in joining the theater. Auditions will consist of a cold reading from the script. No prior acting experience is necessary; both accomplished and aspiring actors are encouraged to audition. 

Participants can expect 2 to 3 rehearsals a week during March, April, and May. Rehearsal scheduling will be flexible and take actors’ needs into consideration.

For more information, call the Marion Art Center at 508-748-1266, email marionartcenter@verizon.net or MACTheater1957@gmail.com or visit www.marionartcenter.org.