BY JUDY THOMPSON –
Since December 2 when auditions were held, The Dixie Swim Club has been a work in progress. After weeks of preparation, the play opens Friday, February 13, 7:30 at the Ouachita Little Theatre. On Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14, as a part of the Valentine’s Dinner Theatre, the play will be moved to Mena Mountain Resort. This event will consist of a delicious dinner served in a beautiful setting and the very popular play, The Dixie Swim Club. Dinner begins at 6:30 PM, with the play following at 7:30. Reservations are $30 per person and may be made by calling 394-3110. Reservations are required.
The playwrights for this production (Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten) have their plays being produced at theatres throughout the United States and numerous other countries. Jones, Hope and Wooten each have outstanding credentials and together they are recognized as some of the greatest current playwrights.
This delightfully humorous play has a cast of veteran actresses. Deborah Tennison portrays Sheree, the somewhat ‘bossy’ organizer; Diana Bernardini is Jeri Neal, the little ray of sunshine; and Amanda Stipe is the flirtatious Lexi. Jessica Kropp plays the downtrodden Vernadette while Jennifer McPherson is the ‘workaholic’ lawyer. However, as with real life, things (and personalities) sometimes change.
The play returns to OLT for the final weekend, February 20 – 22. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 PM with the Sunday matinee beginning at 2:30. Friday (February 13 and 20) and Sunday admissions are $8.00 and $5.00 for students and seniors 60 and over. Saturday, February 21, is another special effort, “Girls Night Out”, and includes a light dinner at American Artisans and browsing at The Fair Lady Boutique and the Mena Art Gallery. Serving begins at 6:00 PM at the Artisans with the play starting at 7:30 PM. As this is a play about friends, ladies are encouraged to gather their friends to attend. Tickets are $19.00 ($16.00 for students and seniors) and are available at Arvest Bank. There is a limited number of tickets for sale.
Director is Judy Kropp with Judy Thompson assisting. Director Kropp advises that because of a few ‘expressive’ words, the play rating is PG-13. She also adds that both men and women will enjoy The Dixie Swim Club.
About Author
Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
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