Mississippi School of the Arts drama students will explore thetumultuous 1950s during a presentation of William Inge’s “Picnic”this weekend at the Johnson Institute.

Show times for the play are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2p.m. Sunday. Seating is limited to less than 80 people for eachperformance, so organizers recommend those interested call (601)823-1317 to make reservations.

“Picnic” is a story of neighbors, friendship and travails oflove, said Robert Brooks, drama instructor. The production isBrooks’ first for MSA and runs is a little over two hours with theintermission.

“Picnic” is set in 1950s Kansas. The cast, ranging fromteenagers to senior citizens, includes two families and guests totheir backyards.

“Everything happens in two backyards on Labor Day while they aregetting ready for a small town picnic celebrating the holiday,”Roberts said.

The drama tightens when a drifter comes to live with one of thefamilies while seeking an old friend. He romantically falls for thedaughter of the neighbor, who happens to be dating the oldfriend.

Brooks said the underlying tone of the play is a reflection onthe 1950s, when people seemed to embrace the prospect of bringing alittle danger into their lives – or at least the appearance ofdanger.

For example, he said, actors like James Dean grew famous in the1950s portraying good-hearted rebels and the public moved from thestructured big band sound to hip hop’s more raucous beat.

“William Inge did a good job of capturing the essence of theperiod in ‘Picnic’,” Brooks said. “It has a lot of emotion.”

MSA’s Third Drama Company, the seniors, will fill the play’s 11roles. The cast includes Kylie Arceneaux, Alex Barnes, CassandraEager, Sarah Hartzog, Mae King, Mabry Nelson, Brittany Osborne,Jasmine Shelby, Katie Walker, Sam White and Thomas Williams.