‘The Women’ showcases talent of 26 area actresses

Posted: Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:02 pm

By JOHNNY MCILWAIN
Special to The Messenger
In the early 1930s, Clare Boothe Luce (a popular author) overheard a gossipy conversation between some society women in the lounge of a popular night spot. This conversation inspired her to write her masterpiece, “The Women.” This brilliant play has assumed the status of a modern classic.
The author carries us through a number of varied scenes and not only shows us a somewhat unflattering picture of womanhood but, digging beneath the surface, reveals a human understanding for and sympathy with some of its outstanding figures. The plot involves the efforts of a group of women to play their respective roles in an artificial society that consists of vain show, comedy, tragedy, hope and disappointment.
“The Women” showcases the wonderful talents of 26 area actresses as they strut their stuff through marriages, divorces and affairs, while taking the audience through a gamut of emotions.
The audience will be in tears one moment and, a minute later, will be howling with laughter. Theatre-goers will even find themselves yelling and rooting for their favorite character in a wild cat fight on stage! Just ask anyone who has already attended a performance.
There is some very mild language in this show, so it is at the viewer’s discretion whether to include young children in the audience.
Stephanie Sergerson’s period costumes are amazing and Bob Elderkin’s innovative sets provide polish and a distinctive touch few local theatre groups can claim. And then there is the large number of gorgeous women prancing in their lingerie for the curtain call — an eagerly awaited moment for many attending the performance.
Check out Masquerade Theatre’s Web site for the cast list and other information regarding future presentations.
Remaining performances of “The Women” are Friday and Saturday and June 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $10 and can be reserved by calling Lanzer’s Printing and Office Supply in downtown Union City at 885-0651.
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McIlwain is the director of “The Women,” the Masquerade Theatre production at the Capitol Theatre in downtown Union City.
Published in The Messenger 6.11.09