GARY | Tiara Purifoy, a former "American Idol" runner-up, tunes in Saturday in a musical debut at West Side Theatre Guild.

Purifoy joins other native artists in "Never Too Late," a piece built on tragedy, great promise and destiny, playwright Michael Joiner said.

"We made it a musical because we wanted to allow local artists to present their singing gifts," said Joiner, also a 15-year music producer. "It's about the choices we make as young people and how they affect the rest of our lives."

All nine cast members are recording artists, and the audience will gain an added bonus of a cast concert immediately following the show, said producer Lucius Rouser III, of Ground Level Productions.

"We did the play at Merrillville High School, and people were laughing and crying," Rouser said. "It really touched the hearts and convinced the people. It's more of an experience than a play."

Doors open at 6 p.m. for the four-scene musical that begins at 7 p.m. at the Theatre Guild on Ninth Avenue and Gerry Street in Gary.

Tickets are $20 when purchased in advance at P & J Barbershop on 18th and Broadway, or Bible Book Store, 38th and Broadway. Payment at the door is $25.

For more information, call (219) 810-2844 or (219) 884-5377.