Unlikely radio host David Quinn, a wheat farmer, tells of his past adventures with a blind girl named Frankie and captures the hearts of the Midwest, in John Olive's romance, "The Voice of the Prairie" at Greenwood's Taproot Theatre.

Quinn, seeking refuge, meets Frankie when she finds him in her family's barn and accuses him of being a horse thief. However, Frankie quickly befriends the starving young man and they run off together to escape Frankie's drunken father. Their adventures intensify as they ride the rails and their relationship grows, but the two get separated when Frankie's father offers a reward for her return. Twenty-eight years later, in his popular radio broadcasts, Quinn wonders what became of Frankie, thinking of her fondly and reflecting on the time they spent together. The play shifts back and forth between 1895 and 1923, from Quinn's flashbacks to the present.

Although Taproot first produced the play in 1993 with a six-person cast, the current production showcases the talents of three. The current cast plays a total of 15 characters. Timothy Horner brings a comedic edge to the show, from a naive young boy to an energetic radio promoter. Jeff Berryman is his strongest in the lead role of the mild-mannered David Quinn, but also shows some contrast as a mean-spirited kidnapper. Marianne Savell is convincing as blind Frankie, both in childhood and as an adult. Director Scott Nolte gives the audience a look at the story from different angles, with actors walking to the edge of the stage and speaking directly to the audience, and reenactments of Quinn's stories.

Crates and wooden furniture form a cave and a green wooden octagon creates multiple settings in designer Mark Lund's creative set. Lund also brings the audience into the play with his sound design, which includes effects such as a dog barking and creaking doors.

Andrew Duff, the lighting designer, subtly sets the tone of each scene with simulated sunlight and a large color-changing screen in the background. Costume designer Sarah Burch Gordon dresses the cast members in old fashioned, era-appropriate outfits that they quickly change in and out of for different scenes.

"The Voice of the Prairie" is a heartwarming story with moments of both drama and comedy that touch the soul. The theater's choice of such a nostalgic tale is highly appropriate, as Taproot is celebrating its 30th anniversary season this year.

"The Voice of the Prairie" runs through April 22 at Taproot Theatre, 204 N. 85th St. in Greenwood. Tickets are $15-$30. As part of Taproot's anniversary celebration, birthday cake will be served following every performance. Call Taproot at 206-781-9707 or 206-292-ARTS or visit www.taproottheatre.org.