The musical "110 in the Shade" is based on N. Richard Nash's 1954 play, "The Rainmaker."

"The Rainmaker" is well known as the film version, starring Burt Lancaster as a con man named Starbuck and Katharine Hepburn as Lizzie Curry, the object of his affections, at least temporarily.  The musical was created in 1963, with Nash's book.

The plot is thin and a bit preachy.  A small Midwestern town during the Depression is in the midst of a heat wave and drought.  Starbuck, a stranger to town, promises to bring rain for $100.  What he really brings is hope for Lizzie, who sees herself as a plain Jane destined for spinsterhood.

The town sheriff, previously disappointed in love, struggles to come to grips with his feelings for Lizzie.

The songs were written by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt, the team that later created "I Do, I Do" and "The Fantasticks."   Many are quite lovely, lending warmth and life to the play.

Thanks to the songs, this show will grow on you.  That's especially true in a good production, as is being offered by Oyster Mill Playhouse under the direction of Alice Kirkland and the musical direction of Duane Wright.

Angela D. Ruediger is enchanting as the liberated Lizzie who has come to believe in herself because of Starbuck's attentions, but a little less comfortable with the insecure Lizzie who preceded her.  Ruediger is simply too confident a performer, but her soprano voice is glorious throughout.

While some people parody the role of Starbuck, a wonderfully charismatic and sensual Lou Torres plays it straight.  This con man believes in his own dreams -- things are always better in one's imagination than in reality, he asserts -- and he believes in Lizzie.  Torres has a powerful voice and a way of establishing eye contact with the audience.

As File, the sheriff with a secret, Jim Moyer is compelling.  His acting skills more than make up for a few rough moments vocally.

Patrick Wallen is the strongest vocally of Lizzie's three family members.  He lends credibility to the role of Noah, the practical brother not above hurting those he loves to get a point across.

Nick Avitabile is the awkward, self-effacing brother, Jimmy, who is likewise transformed by Starbuck's magic, while Andrew Irons is Lizzie's supportive and wise father. 

The townspeople start off a bit tentatively, but by the second song are caught up in the music.  The only one who gets a bit more stage time and a solo is the flirtatious Snookie, adorably played by Kaytee Moyer.

The appropriately simple set design by Stephen F. J. Martin and William F. Jahn is offset by the changing kaleidoscope of colors of Phil Replogle's lighting design.