Original community theatre production offers ‘Golden Girls’ spin
A small community theatre production is getting ready to present a heartwarming original comedy based off a hit American sitcom that aired in the 80s and 90s.
Tickets are on sale for “A Seat at the Table” that will loosely be based around the “Golden Girls” and will feature and include evening dinner and matinee dessert performances.
The play is written and directed by Debi Stodolka, who is the founder of Queen Bee Productions, a faith-based theatre group, and tells the story of four women in their golden age who meet a rebellious teenager.
“In essence, all their lives are riveted by this relationship together,” says Stodolka. “It’s kind of a story of love and forgiveness and, in essence, finding purpose in life.”
The production features six volunteer cast members, and Stodolka says it’s a bit of a take on the Golden Girls with a different twist and contrasting personalities.
“It’s so fun and hilarious, we’re having a blast.”
“A Seat at the Table” is the sixth production Stodolka has written and directed after founding Queen Bee productions, but she has written a total of 12 full-length stage plays since 1991.
“I love drama. I love acting. I love directing. I love all of it and it’s just kind of in my wheelhouse,” says Stodloka. “So I tried my hand at writing and it was a huge success. And I’ve been writing ever since.”
Cast and crew members have been rehearsing Stodloka’s production for more than three months in a space provided by the Mustard Seed.
Queen Bee plans to donate a portion of ticket sales to the charity as well to support a kid’s camp if they are able to sell enough tickets to cover the cost of the production.
They are planning four shows from May 30 to June 1 at the indoor theatre at Eagles Nest Ranch near Irvine.
“The Mustard Seed was gracious enough to lend us rehearsal space,” says Stodloka. “We will definitely be giving them a donation for that if there’s leftover money and we will also give it to sending kids to camp at Eagle’s Nest Ranch.”
Tickets for performances from May 30 to June 1, which include dinner options and one dessert matinee, can be found online at eventbrite.ca. Tickets cost $50 for dinner and $35 for the matinee.
More information can also be found on Queen Bee Productions’ Facebook page.