The play opening March 31 at the Jewel Box Theatre has a veteran cast, but a new director at the helm. At least new to the Jewel Box.

Allison Stoppa is a Southern California transplant who moved to Port Ludlow a year and a half ago with her husband Bob, bringing with her a passion for theater and a resumé to back it up.

When the couple first visited the area in 2004, searching for their “dream home,” they also checked out the local theater scene.

“I remember thinking how nice it would be to see some theater while up here, so I found the Jewel Box Theatre in the telephone book and we made our reservations,” she said. “We attended ‘Pump Boys and Dinettes’ and were thoroughly delighted with the show. From the moment I first attended the Jewel Box Theatre, it was my fantasy to one day direct for them. That fantasy has been realized with the opening of ‘Mary, Mary.’”

The play by Jean Kerr features five actors very familiar with local theater.

Mary is played by Michelle Peterson, who last starred in the 2005 Jewel Box production, “Music From a Sparkling Planet.”

As Mary, she plays an outspoken woman who can’t resist making witty comments, which are not always appropriate or appreciated. Her humor sunk her marriage, as she tended to throw cold water on potentially passionate moments. Bedroom humor: not a good idea.

Her soon-to-be-former husband, Bob, is played by John Becker, who turned in an intense performance last season as the mentally ill but brilliant mathematician in “Proof.”

Bob is a publisher, a man so in touch with his emotions he is constantly assessing how he feels. As soon as the ink is dry on his divorce from Mary he is set to wed Tiffany, a wealthy health food addict. Tiffany is played by Sherry Becker, John Becker’s wife in real life.

David Speck, Jewel Box co-artistic director, makes a return to the stage as Oscar, who is Bob and Mary’s lawyer. Bob calls him to the apartment to help sort out his tax problems, but Oscar ends up giving more than tax advice.

Rounding out the cast is Larry Blain, who had a busy season at the Jewel Box last year with major parts in two consecutive plays, “God’s Man in Texas” and “Einstein and the Polar Bear.”

In “Mary, Mary” he plays a fading film star who is attracted to Mary, much to everyone’s surprise. Bob suspects Dirk is using Mary in order to get the publisher to accept a book that the actor has written.

As the characters make their way through the landmine of relationships, we learn why Mary is afraid of getting close to anyone, and uses humor as a sword and shield. Dirk coaxes her secret from her, and offers her the kind of adoration her overly practical husband couldn’t.

“Mary, Mary” is very Neil Simonesque in its examination of relationships, and its witty use of language and quick pace.

Dircector Stoppa said the play has something for everyone.

“I love that it deals with universal issues between men and women. There are a lot of truths that they have to grapple with in their relationships. It brings to light issues that they all have to struggle with in the partnership of marriage.”

Stoppa has taken an egalitarian approach to directing these veteran actors.

“It’s a co-creative experience,” she said. “I want them to contribute, and use my ideas to guide them. My ideas are not set in stone.”

She considered it a special treat that Speck crossed the footlights for this production.

“I feel very honored that he would feel confident enough to allow me to direct him,” she said.

Stoppa’s theatrical background includes directing and producing more than 40 theatrical productions over a 12 year span. Those productions included classic plays and musicals, such as “Anything Goes” and “A Chorus Line.” Last spring she directed and produced her first show with the Port Ludlow Players, “The Odd Couple (Female Version).”

She taught theatre arts at the high school level in California for many years, and is now teaching fifth grade at Olalla Elementary School in Port Orchard. She has already integrated drama into the curriculum, with reenactments of Columbus’ discovery of America and the Salem witch trials. Chances are we’ll be seeing some of these thespians in future community theater productions.

“Mary, Mary” opens March 31 at the Jewel Box Theatre, 225 Iverson St., Poulsbo, and runs weekends through April 29. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and a 2 p.m. matinee April 9.

Tickets are $14 adults, $12 seniors, students and active duty military, available at Liberty Bay Books in Poulsbo and the Kitsap Mall information desk in Silverdale. Tickets may be reserved by calling (360) 779-9688.