South Bethlehem’s Touchstone Theatre isn’t afraid to use satire to address controversy and make audiences think. Beginning on April 5 and continuing for two weekends, they’ll have another opportunity to do just that.

Touchstone will present “Dictators 4 Dummies,” an original musical comedy that the theatre best describes as “a satirical send-up of the art of tyranny.” Directed by Touchstone ensemble member and Moravian College theatre professor Christopher Shorr,

How was the concept hatched? According to touchstone.org, it all started in 2014 when “Shorr conceived of an open-ended artistic project, then titled ‘The Fascist Playbook,’ following a conversation with a Hungarian colleague about the rise of fascism in her country. All the warning signs she shared seemed so obvious – didn’t people recognize what was happening? Last year, Shorr started turning the project into a musical for an American audience. Now a 90-minute dark comedy, featuring Christopher alongside fellow Ensemble Members Jp Jordan, Mary Wright, and Emma Ackerman, Dictators 4 Dummies explores the common tactics of authoritarian regimes and the importance of resisting the rise of would-be dictators.”

“Dictators 4 Dummies” premieres Thursday, April 5 at 8 p.m., with additional showings at the same time on Friday, April 6 (right after #LVUFirstFriday invades Fig Bethlehem night); Saturday, April 7; Thursday, April 12; Friday, April 13; and Saturday, April 14. Matinee showings will take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 8 and Sunday, April 15. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, and “pay what you will” as available at the door on Thursday nights. For more information, visit Touchstone Theatre online.