Chet Fritz (left) and Phillip Shamblin rehearse a scene from Joplin Little Theater’s production of “Visiting Mr. Green.” The play will run Wednesday through Saturday, April 1. Globe/T. Rob Brown

While “Visiting Mr. Green” isn’t a brand new play — it was written 12 years ago — it might as well be, as far as audiences at Joplin Little Theatre are concerned.

Visiting Greg Green, director of the upcoming JLT production, lets one know that while the play is a work that many people aren’t familiar with yet, he’s focusing on the “yet.”

“A lot of patrons want to see things they’ve heard of,” he said. “But something can’t become a classic until it’s seen. Hopefully, we’re finding the new classics.”

“Visiting Mr. Green” will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, April 1, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 2, at the theater, 3008 W. First St.

The play, Green said, was first produced in New York in 1995. It’s only now starting to appear on the stages of community theaters.

Written by Jeff Baron, “Visiting Mr. Green” is about Mr. Green, a retired widower (played at JLT by Chet Fritz) who is nearly hit by a car driven by a younger man, Ross (Phillip Shamblin). Ross, who has been charged with reckless driving in the incident, is sentenced to make weekly visits with Mr. Green as community service.

Neither is happy with the situation, but begin to find some common ground.

“What appealed to me about the play is that, when I read it the first time, I laughed out loud,” Green said. “Usually, a play has to be seen to be appreciated. And the second act has some really good observations about discrimination, tolerance and how people look at their families.”

There are only two characters in the play, which sets up some special challenges for the actors, he said.

“It’s only these two the entire time. They have to keep everything going,” Green said. “But the audience will be able to identify with at least one of them. The play is specialized but universal.”

Among the obstacles that Mr. Green and Ross face is religion. Mr. Green is a devout Orthodox Jew. Ross is Jewish, but knows little about his heritage. Both also have family issues that come to light during their visits.

The time spent together helps this “odd couple” come to grips with the unfinished business they each have in their own lives, Green said.

“And as the show progresses, these opposites learn that they have a lot more in common than you’d think,” he said.

Tickets to “Visiting Mr. Green” are $13 for adults and $11 for seniors and students.

Details: 623-3638.

The opening-night performance of “Visiting Mr. Green” will include a free reception for all ticket holders. Those attending the Sunday matinee can attend a pre-show tea at 1 p.m.