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Two years ago, the theater director at Northwood High School in Wheaton was strolling along with his wife through Seneca Creek State Park when the couple was struck by a vision to bring professional theater to an outdoor stage in Gaithersburg.

"It's always been in the back of our minds to do this," said co-producing artistic director Christopher Goodrich, who was accompanied by his wife, Rachel Stroud-Goodrich, on the fateful walk.

The couple has been meeting with park management ever since to iron out its plans for The Unexpected Stage Company. On July 16, the park's outdoor stage will serve as the venue for the new theater company's inaugural season, which will begin with "A Phoenix Too Frequent." The comedy tells a story of love and longing by acclaimed playwright Christopher Fry, who wrote the screenplay for "Ben Hur," winner of 11 Academy Awards.

"We hope [the audience] has a lovely evening, but at the same time, it's also a fun, smart play. We hope it is entertaining and they have a great theater experience that will stick with them after the fact," said Stroud-Goodrich, who is co-producing artistic director for the production.

"The park serves as another character [in the play]. It allows you to use its beauty as part of the show," said Goodrich, a graduate of New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.

"The park does make us subject to the elements. ... Heat could be an issue," Goodrich said. "Despite that, we think it can be a major positive."

Goodrich grew up in Montgomery Village and has directed more than 20 Off-Broadway productions.

In 2008, the couple moved from Philadelphia to be closer to family. Soon after, Stroud-Goodrich, who is originally from Los Angeles, gave birth to their baby girl, Mayzie.

Goodrich said they are looking into two or three shows for next summer and that the ultimate goal is to be able to financially support a full season of about 10 shows. For now, half of the funding for the company will come from ticket sales, and the other half has come from donors, including sponsors and individuals.

The stage, which was built five years ago, formerly served as the venue for the Shaker Forest Festival, an arts and crafts event, which took place every September. Assistant Park Manager Dave Powell said "A Phoenix Too Frequent" will be the first taste of theater at the park.

"They're bringing theater to Gaithersburg, where there has never been theater before," said Powell.

"We want to get things going with a fantastic production this year, and we've been reaching out to folks interested in building on that," said Stroud-Goodrich, who holds a master's degree in vocal performance and music theater from New York University's Steinhardt School.

"We want to bring shows to people and bring people to shows that offer an insight into the human condition," Goodrich said.