The ’80s are returning to Bakersfield College for “Six Characters in Search of an Author,” the latest production to hit the BC stage.

In the play, a cast of performers are preparing for their presentation of the Broadway hit “Cabaret” when a mysterious crew of actors appears, searching for people to finish their play. The actors take on the task and a surprise play is born.

“It’s been a good ride,” said Kimberly Chin, director of the play and assistant professor, theater arts. “They have really pulled together. Many of them have contributed through bringing in costume pieces and props because we set the theater company in the early to mid-’80s and many of these students love the ’80s, so, I think it is going to be pretty fun.”

Students, along with guest actors from community theaters, have been working for two months and were expected to have their first performance on Thursday.

“Like all live theater we’ve had our share of bumps and bruises and ups and downs but I really think we are sitting in good shape now,” said Robert Hourigah, who plays the director.

The play, written by Luigi Pirandello, was not originally performed with an ’80s flare, but Chin saw it as a fun addition.

“That’s my little twist (adding the ’80s theme),” said Chin. “Also the play that the company is producing (within the play) is different. Typically it is another Pirandello play that he wrote that is of comic nature, but for this show we’ve decided to go a different route. We’ve substituted that play with something else and that is going to be a big surprise for people. So, they need to come check it out.”

The play begins at 8 p.m. in the Indoor Theater tonight and continues on Saturday. It also will be performed May 6, 7 and 8.

Admission is $8 for general admission and $5 for students and seniors.

The actors said that they are excited about their performances.

“If we can reach one person every night and have them go ‘Wow,’ then we’ve done our job,” Hourigah said.