‘Girls’ Weekend’ full of men
PARADISE >> A laugh-a-minute play, “Girls’ Weekend,” opens at Theatre On the Ridge in Paradise Jan. 23 and runs through Feb. 9. This farce written by Karen Schaeffer is directed by the theater’s executive Judy Clemens.
“As always, I am drawn to stories that celebrate women’s friendships,” Clemens said. “This show is just lighthearted fun with a lot of physical humor and plot twists that keep the show moving at a madcap pace. I am blessed once again to be working with a truly talented cast of friends that have worked together before… I am happy to be opening the (theater’s) 45th anniversary season with such a sure-fire crowdpleaser. I think our audiences are going to love it.”
Assisting Clemens in this hilarious play are: Ginny Brown, stage manager; Jerry Miller, set designer; Michael Clemens, carpenter and Gary Kupp, lighting designer.
“Girls’ Weekend” begins when four Iowa women travel to a cabin to consume copious amounts of wine, laugh at their lives, trade stories and chat about their book club’s latest selection.
Middle-aged Meg (Teresa Hurley Miller) and her grown daughter Ellie (Sarah Brown), are each cagey about their new romantic prospects. Carol (Erika Soerensen), on the other hand, has been trying to have a baby and her mother has been texting suggestions about effective babymaking positions.
Dot (Sue Ruttenburg) is a child of the ‘60s who questions why the women seem so preoccupied with men. The women are enjoying the weekend at her cabin, and she can’t see why men should be involved.
However, Carol has received her ride to the cabin from her husband, Rich (Eric Ricketts), who is hoping the time is right for a quick tryst. Instead, Carol sends him home only to discover that her temperature shows she is ready. She calls him back and hides him in a shed.
Recently widowed Meg is having a secret affair with Dot’s son (Denver Nash) who also shows up at the cabin. Ellie isn’t happy about being a part of this special weekend. She meets a young townie, Bubba (Jeff Hohimer), and invites him to the cabin.
The only obstacle to each of the women’s secret endeavors is Dot. She wants to stay up all night with the girls and party. The women make sure she drinks plenty of wine, causing her to pass out. Secrets are told and the men sneak in.
This is a rip-roaring great comedy, so be prepared to laugh.
Ticket prices $12 general, $16 reserved, $18 at the door. Ticket outlets are Bobbi’s Boutique, 6264 Skyway, Paradise, 876-0877. The Vagabond Rose, 236 Main St., Chico, 343-1110. Online at www. totr.org. For information call the Theatre on the Ridge box office 877-5760.