One in every 10 Americans is affected by some form of liver disease. The liver, the largest organ in the body after the skin, is essential for survival. If the liver is not working properly, a person can become very sick and can even die.

The Alabama Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urge the public to learn the risk factors of viral hepatitis. The month of May has been designated as Hepatitis Awareness Month, and May 19 is the first national observance of Hepatitis Testing Day.

The word "hepatitis" means inflammation of the liver. Toxins, certain drugs, some diseases, heavy alcohol use, and bacterial and viral infections can all cause hepatitis. Hepatitis is also the name of a family of viral infections that affect the liver.

We often find that when we search for one thing, we find something unexpected and much more important. That is just one of the themes woven through Panache, a tender comedy that revolves around two very different people who ultimately discover they are much more alike than they are different. Auditions will be held Sunday, June 3 at 2:00 p.m. and Monday, June 4 at 7:00 p.m. at the Wetumpka Depot, 300 South Main Street in Wetumpka.

The play is written by Don Gordon and will be directed by Tom Salter, Salter most recently directed The Sugar Bean Sisters and Second Samuel on the Depot stage.

There are roles for one female, age 40 to 50, one female age 18 to 25, one male age 40 – 50, one male age 18 – 25, and one male age 30 – 45 who is a “tough guy” type.