'I think there's such a wonderful humor to this piece," says Cathan Bordyn, director of the winter comedy "Over the Tavern," which opens this weekend at Grandstreet Theatre.

The play tells the story of the Pazinskis, a Polish Catholic family who live in the apartment above the family business in Buffalo, New York.

Twelve-year-old Rudy Pazinski is the play's precocious hero, who, in the midst of his troubled home life, begins to question religion and God and a Jesus he "never hears from."

"It doesn't mock religion, which I think some people might be afraid of," Bordyn says.

In the role of Rudy Pazinski is Patrick Lopach, 13.

"I'm exactly like (Rudy)" says Lopach, and explains that he can identify with his character's search to "see what makes sense to him."

Although it's billed as a comedy, Bordyn says the play "has the possibility of flipping on its head."

"There's something much bigger going on. That's what engages an audience," Bordyn said.

A graduate of Carroll College who studied acting and directing under Kim DeLong, Bordyn - who resembles a young John Cusack - is just beginning his career in the theater.

Helena audiences may have seen Bordyn's performances as Claudio in "Much Ado about Nothing" and Thisbe in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" during the Montana Shakespeare Company's last season.

At only 22 years old, Bordyn concedes that he has a lot to learn about directing.

"I always have growing that I need to do," he said.

On the other hand, he is confident - but not boastful - about the skills he does have, among them his ability to help actors develop clear, engaging relationships onstage.

"I'm putting it all out on the boards," Bordyn said.

Bordyn believes his acting experience makes him a better director and vice versa.

"Cathan is a true believer," says Kim DeLong, and adds, "He believes in the arts."

DeLong is the head of the theatre department at Carroll College and artistic director of the Montana Shakespeare Company.

He describes Bordyn as very bright with a terrific work ethic and an optimistic attitude, and says he has "an understanding that the director's role is to empower the people around him."

"I'm very proud of him," DeLong said.

"I really don't think I could have asked for a better cast," says Bordyn.

In addition to the role of Rudy Pazinski, "Over the Tavern" includes several challenging roles, among them a mentally disabled boy, Georgie Pazinski, played by theater school student Cody Howell.

Howell, 13, doesn't seem daunted by the role, and says it's been "really cool" to work with Bordyn so far.

"He really wants everything to be great," Howell said.

Kyle Gillette, who plays the role of the father, Chet Pazinski, was recently directed by Bordyn in Carroll's production of "Crow and Weasel."

"I just love working with him," Gillette says, and adds, "He knows what he's talking about."

Although Bordyn enjoys working both on and offstage, he has plans to pursue his master's degree in acting and will be auditioning for graduate schools this spring.

Bordyn says that in the long run, he can see himself running his own company someday.

"I believe that I've got to go out and create opportunities for myself," he said.