When the doorbell chimes, humor is right behind.

Oakland University’s Meadow Brook Theatre will present the North American premiere of “Ding Dong,” running March 16 through April 10.

As soon as lead protagonist Bernard discovers that his wife, Jacqueline, is having an affair with his friend Robert, the scheming begins.  Bernard invites Robert’s wife to dinner without informing his own wife.  No one knows who will arrive at the dinner table next. Comedy ensues every time the doorbell rings.

“Ding Dong” is written by French playwright Marc Camoletti and translated by Tudor Gates, with dialect coaching by Karen Sheridan. According to Cheryl Marshall, MBT’s managing director, Camoletti wrote the script for last year’s smash hit, “Boeing-Boeing.”

“When we were given the opportunity to be the first theater in North America to do another show by the same playwright, we jumped at the chance,”  Travis Walter, MBT’s artistic director, said.  “Our audiences had such a great time last year with ‘Boeing-Boeing.’ We wanted to do something just as fun for them this year.”

The cast includes Christopher Howe, Julianne Somers, Ruth Crawford, Steve Blackwood, Janet Caine and MBT newcomer, MaryJo Cuppone. Howe, Blackwood and Somers were all cast members in last year’s production of “Boeing-Boeing.”

Walter said he and the theater are thrilled to welcome the returning members back for another run at a Camoletti play.

“Ding Dong” is slightly different than Camoletti’s other play, “Boeing Boeing,” because it is a comedic farce.

According to Blackwood, a farce contains physical comedy, a type of humor that was often used by American television host and comedian, Johnny Carson.

“It will be fun for students to see what a farce is — a whole style of theatre you do not see often,” Crawford said.

The audience can look forward to watching the cast members act out this style of comedy on stage since the style has been taken to heart by many of the actors. Caine, who plays Barbara, said she enjoys performing the scenes that contain physical humor.

Colorful sets and ’70s style themes complete the storyline.

Howe said the set is decorated in bright, ’70s colors and that there are  tributes to ’70s television shows throughout the production.  Terry Carpenter is the stage manager. Brian Kessler did the set design.

Costume designer Liz Moore created the ’70s- inspired attire for the cast members. Somers said big hair would be seen on many of the characters.

“It is going to be a very fun show for the audience,” Howe said. “Hopefully, by the end of the show they will have fun.  It is a surprise.”

Kelsey Gilbert, a sophomore majoring in theater, is looking forward to attending “Ding Dong.”

“I enjoy comedy productions because of the witty comic release that the actors come up with outside of the dialogue,” Gilbert said.

She said it is a great opportunity to see professional theatre that is close to home, right on OU’s campus.

“For the price of a movie you will see something that will help you grow culturally rather than just being entertained in a movie,” she said. “You are watching theater live in an intimate setting rather than seeing something on a screen.”

Tickets for “Ding Dong” range from $24 to $39 and are available by calling the Meadow Brook Theatre box office at 248-377-3300.  Student discounts are available at the box office.