Nicholas Hope

BCP comedy toasts strong women

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By John Lyle Belden

For some women of a certain age, change is about more than just their inner biology. It can mean the end of a marriage – by death or divorce – or even loss of employment. In such events, one could use a drink!

Enter “The Savannah Sippin’ Society,” a comedy by celebrated writers Jesse Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten presented by Buck Creek Players, directed by Mel DeVito.

Randa (Georgeanna Teipen) was a top architect at her firm, but when passed over for promotion to partner, she totally lost her temper and her job. Seeking new experiences, she tries hot yoga – a mistake, but sharing in her misery she meets Dot (Beth Popplewell), still adjusting to life after her husband’s passing, and Marlafaye (Nancy Laudeman) who wouldn’t mind her ex being deceased as well. Without realizing it, Randa invites them to her nearby home for a “happy hour,” then decides it might be worth a try. On their first afternoon on Randa’s veranda (they even say that), Dot has also invited aesthetician Jinx (Gloria Bray), who aspires to be a life coach – and this trio seem perfect for her first clients.

What follows are various adventures that we mostly hear about. Since this isn’t a movie with multiple sets, supporting cast, and stunt performers, these four take turns narrating the events they go through in search of a more fulfilling life, interspersed with scenes on the veranda. Aside from a fateful surprise party, there are cocktail breaks during which they discuss their progress, or lack thereof. This formula works thanks to clever, funny dialogue and the talents of the cast. When not hitting each other with the punchlines, they grow an authentic feeling of friendship that we can’t help but sense. With the Georgia accents, this feels like “Steel Magnolias,” but with more drinking and less sadness.

No real booze is served at the Buck Creek Playhouse, but you can still enjoy your time with the “Savannah Sippin’ Society” in their remaining performances, Friday through Sunday, Feb. 14-16, at 11150 Southeastern Ave. (Acton Road exit off I-74), Indianapolis. Get tickets at buckcreekplayers.com.

BCP toasts friendship in ‘Bridesmaid’ comedy

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By John Lyle Belden

As entertainments like “Designing Women” and “Steel Magnolias” prove, you get four Southern women of a certain age together as best friends, and all manner of hijinks will ensue. Over time, this tends to involve marriage as besties take their turns as “Always a Bridesmaid,” the comedy by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten, presented by Buck Creek Players.

Kari (Kirsten Cutshall) has grown up in the shadow of such ladies, as she takes a moment during her own wedding reception to remark on the nuptial adventures of her mother, Libby Ruth (Cyrena Knight), and lifelong pals Monette (Melissa Sandullo), Charlie (Lea Ellingwood) and Deedra (Shelley Spate).

When the foursome found themselves without dates at their high school senior Prom, they pledged to be there for one another’s eventual weddings. The ceremonies all happen at lovely Laurelton Oaks, near Richmond, Va., managed by shrewd Sedalia (Nancy Laudeman).

Could third time be the charm for vain Monette? Is Charlie, who would rather work her garden in jeans than stand around in a dress, jinxed? Will Deedra, a respected judge in D.C., find a man who truly respects her at home? And who gave Kari champagne? This could be more than super-organized hopeless romantic Libby Ruth can take.

As you’d expect, this show has a lot of heart, as well as gut-busting hilarity as weddings go awry in various ways. This involves all four of our friends, as well as Sedalia, who “hasn’t lost a bride yet” and eagerly takes on extreme measures to maintain her record. Playing a character of the same generation as the others, Laudeman’s portrayal fits right in.

Each of the foursome has a distinct personality, which Knight, Sandullo, Ellingwood, and Spate manage to keep above caricature. Directed by Mel DeVito and Nickie Cornett, they keep the farcical moments coming with excellent timing, and give us characters of such dimension that we even get an excellent sense of the men in their lives.

Cutshall is charming, and comedically sharp even as Kari’s senses dull. We must also compliment costume designer Donna Jacobi, especially with the “theme wedding” dresses and the “ghosts of bridesmaids past” scene.

You are cordially invited to “Always a Bridesmaid,” with tickets selling fast for performances Friday through Sunday, Feb. 17-19, at Buck Creek Playhouse, 11150 Southeastern Ave. (Acton Road exit off I-74), Indianapolis. Info and tickets at BuckCreekPlayers.com.