Greensburg Civic Theatre's Patty Rafferty said her first show back as director after a 10-year hiatus is "wild, crazy, fast and funny."

"Death of a Don," which will open tomorrow, is a comedic spoof of mafia movies. But Ms. Rafferty, of Jeannette, pointed out that comparisons with the HBO series "The Sopranos" miss much of the fun of the show.

As with any mob leader, it seems everyone is nursing a grudge against the aging Don Giovani. When he turns up dead, will it be one of his children, his wife or rival boss Rocky "Studds" Malone who takes the rap?

"It's a lot like the 'Sopranos' in that the Don has to deal with modern problems," Mr. Rafferty said. "His son wants to be a poet, his daughter wants to be a singer -- but it's a lot lighter.

"These people are a lot less unhappy" than the Soprano clan.

In fact, she said, "Don" owes more to comedy sketch shows such as "The Carol Burnett Show" and the "Godfather" films than to modern takes on the mafia.

"Some of it is a direct takeoff on the old mob movies," she said. Audiences will recognize that.

Rachel Dillinger, who moved to Greensburg from Chicago three years ago, plays the Don's ambitious daughter, Connie Elaine Giovani.

"Except for being a woman, she's his legacy," Ms. Dillinger said.

But the Don is old-fashioned and, instead of letting Connie take over the family "business," he's arranged a marriage for her with fellow mobster One-Eyed Joe Provolone.

Ms. Dillinger said "Don" involves "lots of physical comedy, lots of arm-waving."

But even though the play's characters tend to be larger than life, "we've tried to bring a human element to each role."

Barry Shirey, of Ligonier, has starred in several recent productions at the Civic Theatre and noted he has acted with several members of the cast before. Playing rival leader Rocky has been a challenge, mostly for the Italian accent, he said.

"It's nice to be comfortable with the people you're working with," Mr. Shirey said, adding rehearsals have been "really fun."

He also noted that "Don" contains relatively strong language for a community theater production, "though it's mild compared with the 'Sopranos.' "

"Don" also stars Rozella Hoffman as the Don's wife, Corrita Giovani; Jennifer McCormack as younger daughter Baby Giovani; Ryan Carroll as wannabe poet Roberto Giovani; Christopher Daykin as oldest son Gino Giovani; and Tobi Sasso as his girlfriend, Valaria Constantine. Rick Meneghini plays the Don.

Mr. Shirey also said he had an offer for audiences they couldn't refuse.

"You a-gonna like-a this show," he said, trying out his accent. "You gonna feel-a lucky you didn't pass it up."