WILMINGTON — Wilmington College Theatre will present the drama “Early Dark” April 12, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the Hugh G. Heiland Theatre.

Based on Reynolds Price’s novel, A Long and Happy Life, the play is set in northeastern North Carolina in 1957. Early Dark follows events in the life of Rosacoke Mustian, her family and a small circle of friends.

The stillborn baby born to her brother and sister-in-law, the uncaring community in the death of her friend and the struggle of the people around her to share a world of contentment, make Rosacoke reconsider her ideas of happiness, but in the end make her strong.

Wynn Alexander, professor of theatre, is directing the show, which features: Keni Brown as Rosacoke Mustain, Jessica Fair as Emma Mustain, Jalen Douglas as Milo Mustain, Brittany Barnett as Baby Sister, Ariana Riccardi as Sissie, Samual Stanley as Wesley Beavers, Alaunna Nelson as Mars. Ransom, Aalivah Compton as Mary Sutton, Brandon S. Ford as Sammy Ransom, Steven Haines as Mr. Isaac Alston, Shelby Dodds as Willie Duke Aycock, Nicholas Keller as Macey Gupton, Jenna Fawcett as Marise Gupton, Layne Frederick as Heywood Betts and Joshua Woodford as Rato Mustain.

Nina Roberts, Kendra Nelson, Joshua Woodward and Layne Frederick portray the townsfolk.

In addition to Alexander’s role as director, he is providing costume coordination. Also, Lois Hock, professor of theatre, is handling set design, and Becky Haines theatre technical support is providing technical direction, light design and sound operation.

Students on the production staff are Emily Hale, stage manager; Sara Bender, assistant stage manager; Linda Mead, light board operation; and Jessica Fair, property coordinator.

The set construction crew includes: Logan Clawson, Jessica Fair, Layne Frederick and Jordan Grossen, Nic Keller and Nik Logic.

Tickets and reservations are available by contacting the Theatre Box Office, located in Boyd Cultural Arts Center, at 937-481-2267 weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.