“The Graduate” opens in Benjamin’s bedroom.  He’s hiding from his own high school graduation party.  But, to his dismay, people keep barging into his bedroom — including Mrs. Robinson.  Who, yes Benjamin, is trying to seduce you.

Thus starts a summer long affair that’s entirely physical.  And, complicated by Mrs. Robinson’s daughter, Elaine, who could offer Benjamin a real relationship.  Except, would you date someone who’s slept with you mother multiple times?

The show is familiar, thanks to the film starring Dustin Hoffman.  But, that doesn’t mean what you see at Harrison Hilltop is expected.  James Bleecker adds his adorable meekness and solid comic-delivery to the lines, creating a Benjamin you just want to hug, who’s wrapped up in the sex of it all.

Stepping away from her usual, and always impressive, musical roles, Erin Lounsberry is stunning as Mrs. Robinson.  She’s strong, but not over the top bitchy.  She’s just stunning and grabs your attention whenever she’s on the stage.

The rest of the cast is also quite good, including Abbey Donohoe as Elaine.  The last I saw her on stage was in Little Women, when she played a very young girl, with an innocent sort of self-centered nature.  Here, Donohoe is a stronger woman, with some uncertainty as an undertone, making for a nice, nuanced performance.

It’s completely the opposite for former WQAD reporter Mike Kelly, who’s returning to the stage after years away from it.  As Mr. Robinson, he’s very over the top, but not annoyingly so.  His rage is hilarious because it’s so big.  It’s actually a laugh out loud delightful balance to Bleecker and Lounsberry’s more sincere performances.

One of my favorites, however, is Jan Golz as Benjamin’s mother.  She’s just so motherly, in that “embarrasing mother” sort of way.  And she’s funny!  She’s the one role I wished there was more of in the show.

Don Faust is also amusing as multiple characters, each of which he offers a different take, so it actually becomes fun to see how he’s going to play this new character whenever he enters the stage.

Greg Golz rounds out the cast as Benjamin’s father, a nice counter to his real life wife’s stage wife performance.  Did you follow that?

Director Wayne Hess does a remarkable job of creating separate spaces with very minimal change to the set.  And, his decisions for Mrs. Robinson to avoid full nudity, but still convey it are exceptional.  I was shocked without being appauled.

The Graduate runs this weekend at Harrison Hilltop Theatre in Davenport.  Performances are tonight, tomorrow night and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with a 2:30 matinee on Sunday.  Tickets are available by calling the theater or through Harrison’s website — harrisonhilltop.com.  Or, if you’re lucky, also available at the door.