The writers of The Savannah Sipping Society are Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten, and it is one of many shows written by this comedy trio that we have performed here at the Lofte Community Theatre. These playwrights, also known as simply Jones Hope Wooten, also wrote Dearly Beloved, Christmas Belles, The Hallelujah Girls, The Red Velvet Cake War, Always a Bridesmaid, Farce of Nature, and many more! They specialize in comedies that tend to feature strong female leads or entirely female casts and they are often set in the American south.
The Savannah Sipping Society is, delightfully, no exception. The show focuses on 4 women who are all looking to escape the sameness of their day-to-day routines. Each has her own unique struggles and strengths and over the course of 6 months, these women work to find their confidence and to jumpstart their lives. Together they realize that it’s never too late to make new old friends. Our four daring women are played by four return Born-in-a-Barn players who are happy to be back treading the boards.
Marlafay Mosley is played by Therese Rennels who is back for her fourth Lofte show! Marlafay is down-to-earth, but boisterous, outgoing, and a purebred Texas gal. However, the actress, Therese, is a resident of Omaha where she lives with her husband, Doug, and is a registered nurse.
Melissa Holder is returning to the Lofte stage after a short break. You may recall seeing her earlier this season in Crimes of the Heart - well now she’s back playing Jinx Jenkins! Jinx and Melissa have a great deal in common - both are outgoing, both want the best for their friends and family, and both are close with their sisters. However, Melissa says she and Jinx are very different too. “Jinx did a LOT of relationship jumping and I definitely didn’t have as many boyfriends as she did,” Melissa says. “Jinx also moved all around the country, and I’ve only lived in Nebraska and California.” Melissa has specifically fond feelings about this show. “The cast has great chemistry, and the script is so hilarious we’re constantly laughing! The show reminds me of me and my girlfriends - we’ve been close friends for 25 years!”
Beth Joy Haneline is also excited to be back on the Lofte stage after a slightly longer break - she was last seen in 2019s Calendar Girls. Beth believes that she shares her spunky attitude with her character, Dot Haigler. So far, the best part of the process for Beth has been rekindling old friendships and making new ones! “I have made some very good friends in the past few years, so I’m a big believer that it’s never too late to form new relationships.”
Rosalie Duffy completes the quartet with her portrayal of Randa Covington. Rosalie is also appearing on the Lofte stage for the fourth time, though when she isn’t on stage she works with her husband, Walt Duffy, at his practice, Alivation Health. Rosalie sees some key differences between her and Randa, she specifically noted, “I don’t mind if a person has a couple of extra items in the express check-out lane, and I look good in a hat.” But there are a few similarities too. Rosalie says that she and Randa both know how to make cheese straws, and are both logical people.
The Savannah Sipping Society really does have something for all audience members. You might relate to the characters, or they might remind you of someone, maybe a friend, grandmother, aunt, or sister. But the heart of the show comes from the experiences and situations - the things many of us have gone through. But in that relatability lies the humor. The cast often has a hard time not laughing through rehearsals! If you’re looking for a good date night, or maybe a night out with the gals, you won’t want to miss the Savannah Sipping Society! We look forward to seeing you in the audience, and we hope you love the show as much as we do!
The Savannah Sipping Society runs October 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24. Showtime is 7:00 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and 2:00 on Sundays. Doors will open one hour before the show starts.
Masks are required but may be removed when in your seat while eating and drinking only. Social distanced seating is available.
To purchase tickets online visit lofte.org/tickets
To read more about Jones Hope Wooten, you can visit their website https://www.joneshopewooten.com
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