At a time when families are spread far and wide, connected only by phone lines and e-mail, the Roving Players endeavors to take you back to a simpler time, when families gathered around the radio and actually talked face to face; when there was no separation between quality and quantity of time.

“The Homecoming” is based on the book “Spencer’s Mountain,” by Earl Hamner, Jr., which was made into the most sentimental TV series of all time, “The Waltons.”

The Roving Players production of “The Homecoming” begins Dec. 2 at the Indianola Clubhouse, directed by Sue Michaelis.

The play tells the story of the Spencer family on Christmas Eve, 1933. With a winter storm brewing and night falling, Clayboy sets out to find his father, who is overdue to return home. The pair are reunited, and of course it has a warm and fuzzy happy ending.

Michaelis said she felt it was the perfect play for the holiday season.

“I like the aspect that it’s a nice family show,” she said. “You can bring the kids and not worry about language, and go away feeling good about the holiday.”

Michaelis said she has wanted to bring the show to the Roving Players for several years, after ordering the play and reading it through, but hesitated because of the size of the cast required — with the large main family and residents of Spencer’s Mountain it adds up to 30 players.

As it turned out, she had no problem getting a cast together.

One family signed on four members. Jennifer Corbin, who has acted in many plays at Roving Players and elsewhere, plays the part of the mother, Olivia Spencer, while her brother Eric Lay is Clayboy. Younger brother Ryan is an extra, and their mother Lori Lay is “the city lady.”

“Jennifer is enjoying working with her little brother,” Michaelis said.

Craig Hurt plays the father, Clay Spencer. This is his first play with the Roving Players, but he has acted in a number of plays with the Jewel Box Theatre, Michaelis said.

“He did a great reading for the father,” she said. “I’ve really enjoyed working with him.”

Playing other members of the large, close-knit Spencer family are Chris O’Morchoe, Hadley Schott, Bodhi Poth, Helena Peterson, Reilly Brennan, Crooke Watson and Tess Schorn. Linda Carter is Grandma and Stu Smith is Grandpa and Ike.

Playing members of the community are Rickey Delaney as Birdshot, Robert Barrett as Charlie Sneed, Ken Stephens as the sheriff and Rev. Dooley, Rachel Enyeart as Emma Staples and Mary Camp as Etta Staples.

Michaelis said “The Homecoming” showcases the strengths of the American family.

“Family dynamics were stronger then. I would like to see that translated to this era,” she said.

“The Homecoming” runs weekends Dec. 2 through Dec. 17, with shows 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at the Indianola Clubhouse. There is a dinner show, 6 p.m. Dec. 10, with a beef tenderloin entree, and a champagne brunch show, 12:30 p.m. Dec. 11, showtime 2 p.m.

Show only tickets are $10 adults, $8 seniors and children; dinner and brunch tickets are $25 adults, $23 seniors and children.

Tickets available at Indianola Country Store, Peninsula Video, Liberty Bay Books, Kitsap Mall information booth and online at www.rovingplayers.org. wu