An adult play at a children’s theatre. A highly-experienced director making his Whidbey Island debut. A seventh-grader playing a major role among a cast of adult actors.

The formula created by Otherworld Media’s production of “A Thousand Clowns,” is enough to ignite the spark of curiosity.

But the play’s content is what the director, producer and actors want the audience to remember most.

The bittersweet comedy by Herb Gardener (“I’m Not Rappaport”) documents the struggles of a non-conforming New Yorker raising his nephew in the early ‘60s.

The production of “A Thousand Clowns” will serve as a fundraiser for Whidbey Children’s Theatre and starts this Friday. Money raised from the performances will contribute to a major matching grant WCT received from a private foundation.

The play will be held at the children’s theatre, but parents are recommended to arrive without their small children for this one.

“A Thousand Clowns” has a suggested PG-13 rating for its outspoken and slightly risque qualities.

The true-to-life characters and bittersweet story could bring audience members to simultaneous tears and laughter, said producer Judith Walcutt.

“It’s a very funny, poignant play,” she said.

Walcutt said audience members are likely to resonate with the real-life messages they encounter throughout the story.

Former Hollywood director Michael Barker is making his debut on Whidbey Island directing the production.

He has directed more than 20 plays and acted in more than 50, and he also has teaching and television experience.

Now, Barker has a successful free-trade business importing items from Central and South America.

He thought he was leaving Hollywood behind when he moved to Whidbey Island.

But when Walcutt approached Barker to direct this play, she was able to change his mind.

“Once I heard what show, I knew I was in trouble,” Barker said.

“The message is huge,” he said. “It brings up some lovely questions.”

Barker was hesitant to direct another play because when he is involved with the theatre, it consumes him.

“It’s a big undertaking,” he said. “It basically grabs you by the heart and pulls you in.”

Barker agreed to direct the play, but only if they could find the right cast.

After watching the actors read for the play, Barker was pleasantly surprised.

“For a small community to have that depth of talent is lovely,” he said.

One major part in the production is being played an actor in the seventh Grade.

Preston Ossman has previous experience acting in plays, but nothing quite like this.

Every other actor in the production is an adult.

Barker said Ossman was treated just like the rest of the cast, and was able to rise to the occasion.

“Everyone is professional,” Ossman said. “But they expect a lot from you.”

“You have to bring yourself up to their ability,” he said.

The character Ossman plays is very mature for his age.

“It’s like playing an adult when you’re 13-years-old,” he said. “That’s why it’s such a fun part.”

Ossman hopes both his character and the plot of the story have an impact on the audience.

“I want them to feel something,” he said.

Barker said some of the best plays are the ones that make the audience think about life.

“People are drawn to theatre obviously for entertainment,” Barker said. “But it is also there to raise questions.”

“This play raises a lot of questions.”