Who is to say you don't have a connection to Denzel Washington or Meryl Streep, to the president of the United States or the ambassador from China?

According to the theory of six degrees of separation, everyone is connected to everyone on Earth through a chain of acquaintances of no more than six people.

Connections are explored until a hidden truth is discovered in the Millikin University Theatre and Dance Department production of "Six Degrees of Separation."

The comedy-drama by John Guare begins Wednesday in Albert Taylor Theatre and runs through Oct. 14.

"Six Degrees of Separation" is the story of Paul, who cons his way into the lives of a wealthy New York couple, Ouisa and Flan, by claiming to know their children and saying he is the son of actor Sidney Poitier. However, the couple find out Paul is not who he claims to be as his stories unfold, and they investigate the truth about their guest.

"This play shows that deep down inside we're all the same," said Robert Skosky, who plays Flan. "We all want connections.

"It's a show about finding, using and breaking connections."

Kersten Haile, who plays Tess, added, "It really shows how important the connections we make with people are."

The production touches on issues of racism, homosexuality and classism, said Dion Rice, who plays Paul, "even though the author doesn't hit you in the face with it."

"Six Degrees of Separation" is said to be a true story based on con artist David Hampton, who separated wealthy people from their money in the 1980s by claiming he was Poitier's son. A movie version starring Will Smith was made of the story in 1993.

The drama of the play is evident, but the comedy, the cast members say, can be found in the witty lines and quickness of the production.

Director Denise Myers said the 90-minute play is also funny in that the couple believe the con man's lies so easily.

"It's a momentum that starts and just keeps going," she said. "That's what makes it neat."

Myers said the cast has done well creating depth and different facets to their roles.

"What I've enjoyed so much is watching them develop and find things on their own," she said.

She noted with satisfaction that half of the cast and crew are freshmen, and they have adjusted well into their roles.

"That's what we do at Millikin," she said. "We don't look at their age, we look for who's right for the role."

The theory of six degrees of separation gave rise to a popular trivia game, Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon. Whether or not it is true, some Millikin students working on the production have their own connections that run into celebrity lives.

Freshman Jess Leeseberg, assistant stage manager of the production, says a sociology colleague of her uncle's is the sister of Kevin Bacon's wife.

Maria DeFabo, stage manager and a sophomore at Millikin, says she is connected to Madonna through a girl she used to have dance class with in Pittsburgh, Pa.

"It may not be six degrees," Haile said, "but I believe we're connected more than we believe."

WHAT: "Six Degrees of Separation" by John Guare.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, Oct. 10 to 13; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14.

WHERE: Albert Taylor Theatre, Millikin University, Decatur.

TICKETS: $11, $8 at Kirkland Box Office, 424-6318, or online at www.millikin.edu/Kirkland.

CAST: Jenny Guse (Ouisa); Robert Skosky (Flan); Casey Baugher (Geoffrey); Dion Rice (Paul); Sean Roe (Hustler); Justine Bergevin (Kitty); Cory Hoffman (Larkin); Ken Miller (Detective); Kersten Haile (Tess); Scott Dibler (Woody); Josh Curtis (Ben); Brian Rohde (Dr. Fine); Danny Rosenfeld (Doug); Clinton Sherwood (Policeman/Doorman); Steve Barnowski (Trent); John Cincotta (Rick); and Allison Williams (Elizabeth). Director is Denise Myers.

Alicia Spates can be reached at aspates@herald-review.com or 421-6986.