Robert Foster (Thomas Kalebaugh) is taking notes and photographs of the eight Donovan sisters. The story line for his Providence Journal feature article involves a close knit family of eight sisters who meet to play bridge twice a month started three years ago. The year is 1934 for the drama “The Octette Bridge Club” currently playing at the Melon Patch Theatre in Leesburg.
This very popular play has no plot; no antagonists except time. The beauty of the play lies in the relationships between the sisters which become strikingly clear as the show progresses. The second act leaps forward 10 years.
The book end sisters Martha (Gail Baumann), the oldest, and Betsy (Lauren Morgan), the youngest, are the starring roles. Baumann is a Villager who holds awards at many of the local stages. She gives a commanding performance. Morgan is a student at Lake-Sumter College well known at both Bay Street and the Melon Patch. She gives an absolutely riveting performance as the troubled Betsy.
Director J. Scott Berry does a fine job in ensuring each sister is different, yet all of them have similarities. Blocking is a challenge. Positioning eight women is always difficult. Attention must be focused on making sure that all the hair styles change between acts.
Others in the cast are returning actors Jaime Queen and Ruthann Proch. Newcomers are Cari Simons, Jennifer Paiva, Kathleen Encrapera, and Marni Ann Whitehead.
This delightful ensemble drama runs through Nov. 1 at The Melon Patch in close-by Lessburg. For reservations, times, and directions visit their Web Site at www.melonpatchplayers.com.
Villager Jack Petro reviews local theater for Villages-News.com