Incredibly wordy, but wonderfully done. Under the direction of Casey Bowser, five amazingly talented actors bring to life Julia Cho's “The Language Archive,” exploring the language of love.

The show opens Friday at the Butler Little Theatre, but played to an invited audience earlier.

Nedra and Dennis Casey portrayed Alta and Reston, an older couple meeting with George, a linguist played by Phillip Ball.

His character is passionate about preserving archaic languages, but deaf to the death knell of his marriage.

Add a doe-eyed swooning lab assistant, Emma, played by Megan Flannery, and there is a recipe for an emotional roller coaster.

This unusual story was a labor of love for all involved, and features sentimentality, punchy lines and a bit of audience participation.

Phil Ball's deadpan emotionless facade was just what the doctor ordered for this role as he lacked the ability to exude feeling toward his sorrowful and tearful wife.

His lack of chemistry with his wife, Mary, played by Heidi Nicholls Bowser, was a critical component in making her sadness believable.

Bowser's transformation was a delightful testament to acknowledging what a weight the dying embers of love can be. It was a joyous journey to take with her as she pursued a fresh start.

The linguist is also oblivious that his assistant, Emma, has been in love with him for years, and despite her professing it twice, he's missed it.

Flannery, always on the mark, can say more with her face than words in the script.

For the Caseys, real-life chemistry as a couple was conveyed in their role of an older couple in the final chapter of their love life.

Most poignant was Dennis Casey's explanation of what love is. The pair vacillated between speaking loving language to cursing each other with silence, much to the linguist's chagrin. Their tender moments were precious.

It's amazing the changes the set goes through at the BLT — it is always a delight, and this show was no different.

Clever sets created a variety of scenes for this show, the most prevalent being the floor-to-ceiling drawers and cupboards for the scientist's office. Bowser gives credit to his team for bringing this work to the stage.

“I need detail-oriented people like Becky Plymale and Shannon Green to help guide me,” he said. “I'm grateful they were willing to lend their time and talents to this story, and so appreciative of their level of commitment,” he added.

Well written, but a tad wordy, “The Language Archive” is a great example of the power of communication with regard to love. Superb direction and a talented cast make this thought-provoking play worthy of the investment.

WHO: Butler Little TheatreWHAT: “The Language Archive” by Julia ChoWHEN: Runs through Dec. 7. Curtain at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and ThursdayWHERE: BLT, One Howard St.TICKETS: $13, available at www.bltgroup.org or at the door if available