Love can be a messy affair. So can being a cast member in the upcoming Mercer Island High School production of “Big Love,” opening Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

The show examines relationships, the messy factor and how humanity often prefers to cause a scene rather than talking problems out. There is also a good deal of physical messiness when tomatoes and wedding cakes fly around on stage.

“There’s a lot of destruction because relationships are messy,” said director Karen Campbell. “In the end, it’s about how destructive humans can be instead of sitting down and talking things out. But we still have to move on and someone has to forgive. Love is more important then hate and it triumphs.”

The production has performances on May 8-9 and May 14-16, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets are $5, available from cast members and at the MIHS main office by 3 p.m. on performance days. Tickets can also be purchased at the door, where prices are $10 for students and $15 for adults.