Two young girls try to preserve their interracial friendship amid the turmoil of the ’60s in Iowa State Theatre’s production of Lynda Barry’s “The Good Times Are Killing Me.”

Barry, a popular cartoonist, adapted the play from an autobiographical novel she had written. The show has played successfully off Broadway as well as in Chicago.

The show’s director, Shirley Dunlap, said she has wanted to bring the show to central Iowa for some time.

“[Barry’s] message about the state of relations between different cultures is an important one for this community,” Dunlap said. “She’s such an in-your-face writer. It’s good for mid-Iowa to hear it.”

The play follows the relationship between Edna Arkins, a young white girl, and Bonna Willis, a young black girl.

“The whole play is based on their relationship during a time when integration was slowly and painfully spreading, and how their friendship didn’t blossom,” she said.

One of the challenges Dunlap has faced with the show has been working with a cast of 21, most of whom are new to ISU Theater.

“It’s been challenging working with young people new to this phenomenon called theater,” Dunlap said. “I wanted to get as many people on the stage as I could, and I wanted to give an opportunity to new people.”

One person making his ISU Theater debut is Randy Jenkins, freshman in apparel merchandise, design and production. Jenkins describes his character, Earl Stelly, as a “’60s wanna-be pimp.”

“He’s one of these wanna-be bad boys, but he’s really intimidated by women,” Jenkins said.

Jenkins said the most rewarding part of the experience for him has been working with Dunlap.

“[Dunlap]’s a great inspiration,” he said. “She really challenges you to get into your character. She’s a great teacher.”

One element Dunlap wanted for the show was to have the look and feel of one of Lynda Barry’s cartoons.

“I want the audience to look at the stage and read a Lynda Barry cartoon or story,” Dunlap said. “We’ve taken a lot from her style. She frames all of her cartoons, and she has very two-dimensional drawings. We’ve given that flavor to the design.”

Helping Dunlap create that has been guest scenic designer Matthew Anderson.

“It’s been an absolute joy working with Matt Anderson,” Dunlap explained. “It’s been a wonderful process of collaboration. I’ve enjoyed how he’s given a challenge to this department.”

Dunlap has also appreciated working with guest costume designer Brian Hemesath, who also designed the costumes for last spring’s Stars Over Veishea production of “Anything Goes.”

“I’ve enjoyed how [Hemesath] took the concept of a cartoonish look and ran with it,” Dunlap said. “He sees ways of bringing out Lynda Barry through the costumes, big plaids and so forth. It’s nice when we are all in agreement on how to make a piece happen.”

Dunlap wants “Good Times” to get people thinking about integration in the United States.

“I’m hoping people will come out of the show asking themselves: Have their been any strides since the ’60s? Have we still got a long way to go?

“Edna’s house rule is ‘no Negroes in the house.’ Do we just have new ways of saying that?” Dunlap said. “And, have we missed out on friendships because of those concerns?”