It's a night of bare feet, overalls and good clean fun when "Possum City, USA" takes the stage Friday at Valley Center Playhouse in Lindon.

A group of lovable hillbillies is getting ready for the Grand Ole Opry with plenty of conflict, laughter, romance and music along the way. The lively romantic comedy is reminiscent of the classic Daisy Mae and Li'l Abner comics that ran from 1934-1977.

The musical was written by Jody Renstrom, who has run the theater with her husband for the past 31 years. Renstrom has written more than 10 plays for the theater, helping to cut the cost of expensive royalty fees on well-known plays.

"We know what the audience is like and they've responded real well to our shows," she said. "They don't seem to care who wrote it as long as they are entertained and can relax and have fun."

An avid theater fan, and experienced director, Renstrom found that writing plays came naturally.

"When I started writing they basically fell on paper," Renstrom said.

Initially unsure of how her plays would be received when they first debuted in 1990, Renstrom was encouraged by the response of the audiences.

"(A couple) said to me, 'This was so cute, don't let it be your last,' so I had a little more confidence after that," Renstrom said.

Drawing on her own experiences and favorite themes, Renstrom wrote, "Possum City, USA," around 10 years ago after visiting the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Inspired by the bluegrass music, Renstrom came home and created her own country music-infused hillbilly show.

"I just thought, 'Gosh it would be fun to see all these little hillbilly gals running around,' " Renstrom said. "It's just a fun-loving show."

Renstrom said her plays have a particular draw to her Utah audience. She is able to write with the audience in mind and create clean, family-friendly shows.

"When I grew up everything was family oriented," Renstrom said. "We just don't care for the modern stuff -- all the words they have to put in and all the insinuations. I think it's fun if a line can be delivered and the adults are laughing at the adult humor in the line and the kids are laughing at the plain old humor. Then it's something the whole family can laugh at together and not be embarrassed."

Bruce Conrad, director of the play, said the audience will enjoy the unique intimate atmosphere of the theater as well.

"It's theater in the round, so the audience ends up participating quite a bit more than usual," Conrad said.

With family-friendly themes and a happily-ever-after ending, Conrad said the show is one of universal appeal.

"I think the audience will enjoy the energy and good humor," Conrad said. "I expect that they'll get a lot of laughs out of it and go away feeling uplifted."

If you go:

Possum City, USA

When: Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays through Sept. 25, at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Valley Center Playhouse, 780 N. 200 East, Lindon.

Cost: $6, $5 students, seniors and children, $25 per family.

Info: Tickets can be purchased at the Playhouse half an hour before showtime. 785-1186.