Never has the phrase "dirty criminal" been as clean-cut as with Grove City Theater Arts Guild's production of "The Villain Wore A Dirty Shirt."

The production, written by Tim Kelly, focuses on a so-called dirty villain named Phineas Flatworm (Damon Covert) who tries to scheme his way from rags to riches. After Flatworm learns that the only laundry in town, owned by Olympia Klenz (Eireann Erdner), is gaining loot by rinsing gold flecks from miners' laundry, Flatworm figures that money could be his -- if the laundry belonged to him.

With the help of his mother, Mrs. Mugwump (Terry Pokrant), and a less-than-talented dance hall girl named Lola-Lola (Pamela Locktosh), Flatworm will work to get it.

The play is directed by Ed Hutcheson. Assistant director is Penny David-Covert, who also serves as guild president.

The guild is made possible through sponsorship and support of the Creative Arts Center of Grove City. After the guild was established in August under the Creative Arts Center, the ball began rolling for its first production. Auditions were in November and rehearsals, in January.

Mrs. David-Covert said she's most happy with how the play turned out, especially how it spans generations. First there are the 14 children who play waifs, or street rats. Then there's Mrs. Erdner, who plays a lead role as Olympia Klenz. Not only is she a mommy, she's never even been in a play. There's also 89-year-old Mary Sennholz, who skillfully plays the piano.

"She's so good," Mrs. David-Covert said. "I would hope to be like her at 89."

The production includes a large cast from all levels, which the directors had hoped for. The point of a community theater is to involve everyone in the community. The production team hoped they would get all types of actors, and they did, Mrs. David-Covart said.

The diverse cast helps to mesh the vaudeville-style comedy together. The roles of Sheriff Jack B. Nimble (Jeff Barger) and his love interest, Sweet Sally (Keturah Welton), also add a wave of humor to the stage.

To best capture the spirit and authenticity of the vaudeville era, the play was coordinated to be as historically accurate as possible, Mrs. David-Covert said. In proper vaudeville style, a separate dance, song and comedy will entertain between acts.

"It's been a lot of fun, especially for the kids. They're in and out of the audience, carrying signs on stage. I don't want to give anything away, but there are a lot of surprises."

Show times are noon Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday at the Penn Grove Hotel, Pine Street, Grove City. Saturday's show includes a $10 lunch buffet; Sunday's show includes a $20 dinner buffet. For reservations, call the Penn Grove Hotel at (724) 458-7400.