MANSFIELD — The next show to tread the boards at the Mansfield Playhouse explores what happens when the sparks fly between a saucy New York TV producer (‘Libby,’ played by Katy Esmont) and a reclusive British mystery writer (‘Giles’ played by Steve Russell).

Libby wants to get the rights to turn Giles’ mysteries into TV shows in America, but Giles detests the way the Yanks want to dumb-down his stories for the mass market. Initially combative, the two find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other, helped by the conspiring of their assistants, ‘Fred’ (played by Britt Moore of Ashland) and ‘Daisy’ (played by Lindsey Saltz of Mansfield).

Things grow complicated when Daisy accidentally reveals Giles’ rural address to the media, leading to a shift in the action from England to New York City, where they try to forge a working relationship and avoid a personal one. After an emergency threatens the life of Fred, it’s up to Daisy to remind Libby and Giles what is really important.

“We imported Steve Russell all the way from England to play this role,” claimed director Mark Jordan. “That showed remarkable foresight, considering that he has lived in the states for 20 years now and has already performed a number of times on the Playhouse stage.”

Jordan was also excited to welcome back Katy Esmont, once a familiar presence on north central Ohio stages, but one who has lived elsewhere for several years, including Nashville, Tennessee, and currently Lewis Center, Ohio.

The comedic flair of the two lead actors will be supported by two strong actors, one familiar and one new. The familiar face will be the outstanding Lindsey Saltz, who has appeared in numerous productions as an actor at the Mansfield Playhouse and the Ohio State University, Mansfield, where she also recently made her debut as a director with “The Heidi Chronicles.”

New to the Playhouse, though not to the stage in general, is Ashland native Britt Moore, who recently returned to the area after many years’ involvement with community theater in the Cleveland area.

Performances of the play, which includes some adult language and humor, will take place Friday April 27, Saturday April 28, Friday May 4, and Saturday May 5 at 8 p.m. There will also be a matinee performance on Sunday May 6 at 2:30 p.m. The Mansfield Playhouse box office is open Wednesday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. at 419-522-2883.

Tickets are also available online at www.MansfieldPlayhouse.com.