By JOHN EBY
Dowagiac Daily News

Beckwith Theatre opens its 20th season Easter weekend with “Lilies of the Field,” F. Andrew Leslie’s play adaptation of William Edmund Barrett’s 1962 novel, directed by Paul Pugh.

This is the touching, warmly humorous story of an unemployed construction worker from South Carolina, just discharged from the Army (Homer Smith), who heads west and stops at a remote farm along the Mexican border for water when his car overheats.

For Beckwith’s Homer, Kyle Curtis, this is his second Dowagiac production after portraying Jake in “Jake’s Women.”

Curtis, of Mishawaka, Ind., works at a hotel when not acting.

He’s appeared in several South Bend shows and a couple in Osceola.

“I enjoy acting more than anything,” he said before rehearsal Thursday night.

A group of East European Catholic nuns work the farm, headed by the strict mother superior, Mother Maria Marthe (Donna Courtney).

She believes God sent Homer to build a much-needed church in the desert.

Sidney Poitier won the Oscar as Best Actor for his film portrayal of Homer.

There will be performances of “Lilies of the Field” April 2, 3 and 4 and 9, 10 and 11 at the Beckwith, 100 New York Ave., kitty corner from Dowagiac District Library (782-7653 ROLE), www.beckwiththeatre.org).

Pugh’s cast also includes: Tony Meloche as Father Gomez; Libby Doe as Sister Elizabeth; Karen Langley as Sister Gertrude; Jane Phillipson Wlson as Sister Albertine; Bryan Kancauski as Jose; and Dave Taylor as Mr. Livingston.

Stage Manager is Melissa Auril, with Maycie Boyle as technical director.

In addition to the 20th anniversary gala Nov. 6, the 2010 season includes: “Playing Doctor,” May 14, 16, 21, 22 and 23; Kennedy’s Kitchen live in concert June 19 at 8 p.m.; “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” July 16, 17, 18 and 23, 24 and 25; “Over the River and Through the Woods,” Aug. 20, 21 and 22 and 27, 28 and 29; “Cemetery Tour Ghost Walk II,” Sept. 24, 25 and 26 and Oct. 1, 2 and 3; and “Curious Savage,” Oct. 8, 9 and 10 and 15, 16 and 17.