Admittedly, "The Water Engine" is not the most exciting title for a play. Upon hearing it, I half-assumed that it would be some sort of industrial-themed show, complete with a tutorial on how to build my very own engine, or something to that effect. However, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that "The Water Engine" is in fact a staged radio show about a man who invents an engine that runs on water, and the consequences he must face for creating such a controversial machine. Set in a radio station studio in 1930s Chicago, the show revolves around 13 actors and one sound engineer, playing multiple roles throughout the play. It opens with a group of radio actors getting ready to perform playwright David Mamet's "The Water Engine" live in front of a studio audience and on the air. After leading the audience through a series of humorous warm-ups, which includes inviting two audience members up onstage, the actors take their places to begin the performance of the radio show. "The Water Engine," directed by Tony Simotes, features Charles Lang (played by UW senior Andrew Dahl), a young man who has invented an incredible machine: an engine that runs on distilled water. Charles and his sister Rita (senior Vera Varlamov) long for a simple life in the country, free from the complications and noises of industrial Chicago. In order to achieve this lifestyle, Charles must first figure out how to use his invention to his advantage, which leads him to the office of sinister lawyer Morton Gross (senior Pete Bissen) and his associate, Lawrence Oberman (senior Ray Ready). As Charles attempts to make his and Rita's dreams come true, he soon realizes that not everyone he trusts is who they appear to be. The highlights of "The Water Engine" most definitely come from the technical aspects of the show. This is the first play I have ever seen that had a "Foley artist," or sound engineer, as part of the cast. The Foley artist (NYU/Tisch graduate Matthew Sherwin) is in charge of creating the sound effects for the show, using everyday objects (such as a rubber glove or a glass of water and a straw) to create sounds needed in the play. This proved to be so amusing that I often found myself watching the Foley artist instead of the actors, although by no means did his presence take away from the focus of the show. Another unusual aspect of the show is the "play within a play." The actors play radio actors in a studio, who are playing different parts in "The Water Engine." When they aren't at the microphones performing the radio show, they stand or sit along the edges of the stage, reading magazines or watching the performance. It's almost as much fun to watch the actors while they were off to the side, gossiping quietly or lighting cigarettes, as it is to watch the actors who were performing the radio show at the microphones. In between performing scenes from "The Water Engine," the radio actors would sing songs, play the guitar or make announcements touting products and other advertisements. "The Water Engine" is a worthwhile performance and an exciting take on live theater. The cast is charming and lively (watch the "Gumdrop Gals" as they perform a commercial for Slickies Hair Cream), and the show gives all of the actors the opportunity to showcase their own unique talents. Student tickets are $14, and the show runs about 90 minutes long, including a 15-minute intermission. See "The Water Engine" and enjoy a stunning cross between radio drama and a staged-but-live play. "The Water Engine" runs through Oct. 13 at the Hemsley Theater. The final performance will be broadcast live on Wisconsin Public Radio's "Old Time Radio Drama."