Secrets will creep around the stage April 11 in Elon University’s McCrary Theatre.

In the play, “August: Osage County,” the Weston sisters’ father disappears so they return to their childhood home to support their mother, who is addicted to pills.

The performance is meant to entice many of its viewers to think about what they can expect from their own family members and what dysfunction in a family might do to its dynamic.

Kirby Wahl, assistant professor of performing arts and director of the play said Tracy Letts, the writer of “August,” uses a difficult family dynamic to question the nature of people’s social structure.

“Everybody has their own story,” he said. “They have their own version of the family history that suits them. We have a national story. Letts makes that a little uncomfortable and awkward.”

One of the explored themes in “August” revolves around mother-daughter relationships.

“No matter how you try to be different, you are in some way like, or in rebellion against, your parent,” Wahl said.

Sophomore and stage manager Cody Schmidt said “August” is a unique play and, even though the family is crazy, viewers usually find themselves rooting for the characters.

“It’s great to learn from each of them,” Schmidt said. “They all have something to offer.”

Wahl usually directs a play during Winter Term, so this semester he has valued the extended time. Rehearsals began in mid-February.

“The cast had time to think about it,” Wahl said.

Besides the performers, Fred Rubeck, chair of the Department of Performing Arts, and Sue Ott Rowlands, dean of liberal arts and human sciences at Virginia Tech University, will also be in the play.

Senior Tyler Alverson, who is playing a 60-year-old man, learned how to adjust his speech and movement to be more at the speed of a 60-year-old. He said he was intimidated because he had never played an older character before. “I feel like I’m playing the old funny uncle who picks on everybody," Alverson said.

Wahl said the students have done a great job playing the parts of older people, despite the fact that they haven’t acquired the life experience that a 45 or 50-year-old has.

“August: Osage County” opens April 11 in McCrary Theatre. Tickets can be purchased at the box office in the Center for the Arts.