The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Department of Theater Arts opens its 2009-10 season with a wicked comedy, "Escape from Happiness."

The situational comedy, part of a trilogy by George F. Walker, is about the Dawsons, who push the boundaries of family values, said Walter Elder, UW-L assistant professor of theater arts who is directing the play.

"The play has 10 great characters who are funny, interesting and quirky," Elder said. "It is a dark, slapstick comedy and a who-done-it."

"Escape from Happiness" is for mature audiences due to language and "enhanced interrogation techniques," used on one of the crooks, Elder said.

The play opens with Junior, husband of one of the Dawson daughters, beaten in the home by crooks. Police investigating the beating then find drugs in the home's basement and arrest mom Nora Dawson, Elder said.

She, in turn, kidnaps one of the crooks, he said.

"I was drawn to the physical comedy and characters," Elder said. "This play is such a great teaching tool."

Maddie Fendrick, a UW-L senior playing Nora, said her character is crazy and "handles issues in a very bizarre way."

Christine Walth, a UW-L senior who plays one of Nora's three daughters, describes her role of Mary Ann as "endearing, but annoying." The Dawsons are one of the most dysfunctional families, she said.

"I really like the show because it deals with deep, dark issues," Walth said.