Lacking the hustle and bustle of many of today's modern cities, the historic village of Arrow Rock is known for its relaxed pace and peaceful serenity. Just don't tell the staff of the Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre.

After the frenetic pace of its summer season, things have slowed a bit at Missouri's oldest regional theater, but a dedicated staff is still hard at work preparing for the start of the two-production fall season.

Quin Gresham, Lyceum artistic director, said the fall staff is a bit smaller, as many of the summer employees return to school in the fall. In addition, Tony Dearing, Lyceum production stage manager during the summer months, is the stage manager at the St. Louis Repertory Theatre in the fall.

"The fall is a funny time because we suddenly have a somewhat more relaxed tempo and fewer employees. It is a quieter time for us, but at the same time we're mounting two difficult shows and making plans for the 2008 season," Gresham said. "The point being, it may be quieter, but an awful lot is still happening."

Jessica Clements, Lyceum marketing director, said that since the start of the summer season there have always been two casts on hand at the theater, the one currently performing and the one preparing for the next production.

Currently, the only cast in residence is the two actors appearing in "Misery," which ends its run Aug. 26.

"After that, we don't have another show until 'Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming" opens on Sept. 5.

Granted, rehearsals will begin on the week of the 28th, but there's a noticeable difference in the 'hub-bub' here without the overlap," Clements said, adding that there will be a similar lack of overlap before the cast of "Children of a Lesser God" arrive.

"I anticipate the time around that show being almost eerie as the cast and crew really does start the exodus in earnest."

Gresham, Clements and Steve Bertani, Lyceum managing director, are also keeping themselves busy preparing for the future. Clements said a redesigned website, touring productions and eight regular productions all loom on the horizon.

"It's true, you know…the show does go on, and on and on…" she said.

When the fall portion of the season begins in earnest, "Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming" will run Sept. 5 - 16. The 2007 season draws to a close Sept. 26 - Oct. 7 with "Children of a Lesser God."

Tickets for each production are available through the Lyceum's Web site at www.lyceumtheatre..org or by calling the box office at 660-837-3311. The box office is now running on its summer schedule, allowing patrons to call between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays; between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sundays. On Wednesdays with no performances, the box office closes at 5 p.m.