Oyster Mill Playhouse is known for taking on theatrical challenges, some of them requiring big casts.  Usually, it rises to the challenge.

Overall, "Li'l Abner," the last show of the 2002-03 season, is among those occasions.

The play is funny -- funnier than one might expect for a story about hillbillies written for Broadway in 1956 (although it did spawn two movie versions shortly thereafter).

Moreover, it's amazing how many of the show's "serious" themes still resonate without seeming dated.  Among them are political corruption, nuclear testing and a kind of eugenics.

Then again, the source of the show was one of the most-popular comic strips, which was created by cartoonist Al Capp in 1934 and lasted more then 30 years.  Its blend of homespun humor and political satire made the inhabitants of Dogpatch world-famous.

The musical requires a big cast, which makes the Oyster Mill stage seem overpopulated at times.  Even so, there was some double casting.

The good news is that under the well-toned direction of Lois Heagy and her attention to detail, the cast is as well-coordinated vocally and actingwise as a smaller group.

The Sadie Hawkins Race is particularly well-orchestrated and funny, and the set design by Phil Replogle uses the space cleverly.  Attention to detail doesn't diminish from the sheer fun and spontaneity.

There are too many actors to be mentioned by name, even among the speaking parts.

Paul Carnes might not be the super-macho Abner of the comic strip, but he is convincingly romance-challenged.  With a pleasant voice, he exudes the character's naive integrity.

As Daisy Mae, Rebecca Mease has the perfect hillbilly twang and a lovely voice -- as well as the will of iron underlying the character's outward attractions.

Ira Rappaport is a total actor.  It's fun to watch his flailing arms, expressive face and shuffle in the role of the preacher, Marryin' Sam.

A wispy Jamie Ensinger devours the role of the pipe-smoking, intimidating Mammy Yocum with a soft spot for her son.

George Paul is endearing as the put-upon Pappy Yocum who finally exerts his authority.

With a fine voice, Patrick Flannery makes for a multidimensional Earthquake McGoon, genuinely in love with Daisy Mae and overbearing at the same time.

Jenna Rappaport sports a Barbra Streisand voice and leering manner as Evil Eye Fleagle.

Bob Kopko is delicious as the arrogant and increasingly greedy General Bullmoose.

Meg Davis (Stupefyin' Jones) and Kristine Robinson (Appassionata) play the two femmes fatales -- one just distracting, the other scheming with aplomb.

Greg Merkel is good in multiple roles as the unemployment man and the colonel.