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BLOOMFIELD, IOWA -- Each year, the Davis County Fine Arts Council hosts a children's play during the summer.

This year, they'll be doing something different; a melodrama called "Goodcheer Home for Broken Hearts" by Davis County playwright James Grob. The play takes place in the 21st century, but the characters believe they are in the 19th century, which leads to some mishaps and comedy.

Students from grades three through sixth attended auditions around Memorial Day and they now hope that the audience will get into the action and emotion of the characters.

"It's just a variety of characters that we have to perform and the kids have worked really hard," said Joy Orwig, co-director of the play, along with Josie Drummond. "We've been working on this since about the end of May and about four days a week, and so they've put a lot of time and effort into it and excitement and they're ready to provide really fun entertainment for our community."

Orwig's daughter Hannah plays a doctor, and she said the character and the play itself is a lot of fun.The performance includes piano accompaniment, a boxing match and audience participation. Orwig said she hopes the audience will boo the villain, cheer the hero and 'aw' at the play's sweetheart.

Tickets to the show are $5 and will be performed Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Iowa Theater.