Front Porch Entertainment presents the musical “The Bird of Paradise Dew Drop Inn,” playing Oct. 2 through 12 at the Durham Arts Council.

The production displays comedy, drama and blues music from local and established talents.

The plot of the play was incorporated into the setting of the production. Instead of selling tickets there is a cover charge and some of the audience can sit on the stage.

The juke joint called Bird of Paradise, is owned and operated by the no-nonsense Eula Mae Johnson. She is performed by Carolyn Jefferson, a native of Washington, N.C.

During the evening, Eula Mae receives several of her regulars including a rambling and disturbing blues woman, played by Crystal Whitfield, a senior NCCU theater major.

A comedic highlight was a cat-fight that almost ended in a shoot out between arch enemies Emma Jean, played by DeLois Brandon and Shirley, performed by Jewelyn Dunn.

Similar to blues music, “The Bird of Paradise Dew Drop Inn” is about people dispensing inner hurts so that they can live more fulfilling lives.

“The overall concept is the most unique aspect of the show,” said Dorothy Clark, assistant director and founder of Front Porch Entertainment. “This is supposed to be a fun show,” said Clark. “And it’s going to be.”

The genre of blues music was said to have originated in the North Mississippi Delta following the Civil War. It was influenced by African singing, slavery spirituals, church music and rhythmic dance tunes called “jump-ups.”