In the world of live theatre, the only sure thing is that there is no sure thing. The Historic Everett Theatre had planned a partnership with several different producing organizations to offer three shows in repertory over three weekends in July and August. However, due to unforeseen complications, the bill has been reduced to only one show, the comedy "Rounding Third" written by Richard Dresser, which is slated to run the weekend of July 24 through 26.

But it's a good show featuring talented actors and a veteran director.

With the powerful two-man cast of Asa Sholdez and Michael Hudson, "Rounding Third" tells the story of two Little League coaches through an entire season, from their first tentative meeting to the climactic championship game.

Don (Sholdez) is the tough blue-collar, win-at-all-costs veteran coach whose son is the star pitcher. Michael (Hudson) is a newcomer both to the town and to the sport. He's a corporate executive who agrees to be Don's assistant in order to spend more quality time with his son, who's never played baseball before.

Michael believes that the job of the coaches is to make sure everyone has a good time while shielding the kids from the intense pressure of competition, while Don is out to teach the youngsters how to be winners.

The play raises questions about the reality of competition in the lives of our children while examining the role of the American man. It also manages to be extremely funny and entertaining.

Tickets for "Rounding Third," directed by Eric Lewis, are $10 and available by calling (425) 258-6766, or online at www.everetttheatre.org. Performances are Friday and Saturday, July 24 and 25, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, July 26, at 2 p.m. The Historic Everett Theatre is located at 2911 Colby in downtown Everett.