Divorce Southern Style
April 13-29, 2007

In need of cash to support her lifestyle, Eleanor Bander decides to lure her wealthy ex-husband to Charlotte in an attempt at reconciliation. The result is a madcap farce, “Divorce Southern Style,” by Jennifer Jarrett, to be presented by the Wimberley Players April 13-29.

Eleanor’s ploy becomes more devious when she tells Walter that their daughter is about to be married, with the insinuation that it is to be a shotgun wedding. Walter shows up with his old high school flame, a former nemesis of Eleanor’s. Daughter Elizabeth, it turns out, is only toying around once again with the idea of marriage to her on-again-off-again fiancé, fellow schoolteacher Vince. When Walter learns the truth, Eleanor throws him a huge birthday party and uses her feminine wiles to try to ensnare him. It all backfires as the truth emerges about the reason their marriage ended 15 years before. A lecherous optometrist and a boozing next-door neighbor further enliven the pace of the play.

Playgoers who enjoyed Blithe Spirit will again enjoy the winning teamwork of director David Bisett, and producer Charlotte Caldwell. Nancy Weaver is assistant director. The play was written by Jennifer Jarrett. It takes place in the modern day in Charlotte, North Carolina.

David Bisett, last seen onstage as John Adams in 1776, plays the part of ex-husband Walter. Eleanor is portrayed by Sandy (Billings) Zellers, a veteran musical actor seen most recently at the Playhouse in I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. Elizabeth is played by Rachel McGinnis, a graduate of the theater program at Northwestern University and a member of the Screen Actor’s Guild who has appeared in many films.  Perennial fiancé Vince is played by Rick Billings, recently seen as the Scottish member of Congress in 1776 and in multiple roles (Clown, Jake the Fence and Ali Baba) in A Christmas Carol. Gina McClure, who played the Ingenue, Belle and Mrs. Fred in A Christmas Carol, is the neighbor, Elma Blue. Dr. Abernathy, the optometrist, is played by Larry Landaker, recently seen as Leading Man and Bob Cratchit in A Christmas Carol. Melissa Ethridge, Thomas Jefferson’s melodic wife Martha in 1776, is Walter’s girlfriend, Gretchen.

“The crew of Divorce Southern Style have done an outstanding job in securing the unusual and building the impossible,” says producer Caldwell. The stage set is one of the many highlights of this production.

The play is running weekends from April 13 to 29 at the Playhouse, 450 Old Kyle Road (between the Square and FM 3237). Performances are 8:00 on Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 on Sundays.

Tickets can be reserved by phone by calling 847-0575, or can be purchased directly at the box office, Monday through Friday, 1:00-5:00. All tickets are $15. Visa and Mastercard are accepted.
 

Scenes and cast from Divorce Southern Style