The Savannah Sipping Society: Lighthearted production of a fun play
Savannah Sipping Society is a story about four lonely women who, in the midst of their personal life crises discover the value of friendship, by mere chance. Although the theme might sound stereotypical, and its TV sitcom style offers no novelty, the play is hilariously funny and entertaining – just the thing for the end of a tiring week.
Bonded by a mutual hatred for discomfort caused by an unsuccessful attempt to attend a hot yoga class, three women – Randa, Dot and Marlafaye – decide to meet again, this time on Randa’s verandah, where they can share their culinary expertise and a bottle of good whisky.
They are perfect strangers with nothing much to talk about. Or that’s what it looks like at least. Workaholic Randa, an architect in her late forties, has just lost her job. Dot, recently retired, lost her husband just after moving to Savannah and their dream retirement resort. Energetic, down-to earth Marlafaye is a divorcee who, after loosing her husband to a young dental hygienist, comes to Savannah in search of a new life. Finally, they are joined by yet another stranger at Randa’s. Feisty wanderer Jinx, whose only reason for staying a bit longer in Savannah is her mother’s deteriorating health, could not be more unlikely company for the three middle-aged women. But cheese specialties and whisky can have their own charm. Bite by bite, and, especially, glass by glass, tongues are loosened, jokes are cracked, witticisms are thrown, and life stories are told. By the end of the evening, it is obvious that differences in personalities and backgrounds are insignificant compared to what the women have in common. Their common denominators are loneliness, interrupted lives, and unhappiness. Fortunately, go-getter Jinx decides on a whim to become their life coach.
In many funny moments, this fast-paced comedy leads four women from one comical misadventure to another. The director George Stonyk creates the perfect pace and atmosphere, giving the story a more natural and credible feel. The interactions are realistic and the bond among the women is strong, making their love and friendship believable. Jennifer Sheffield as Randa is a frustrated professional, but also a warm and caring friend. Janet Uren as Dot rises from a passive, defeated old woman to a fighter capable of taking her life into her own hands, while feisty Jinx by the end shows her real self – a lonely woman who is running away from her solitude, in search for non-exciting family. The monologue in which she reveals her vulnerability is the most poignant scene in the play. Lindsay Laviolette certainly showed her versatility by successfully turning Jinx from a feisty comic into an emotionally charged character. Venetia Lawless created a memorable character of Marlfaye, infusing life in her every move. She is strong, a true survivor, and a hilarious healer who knows how to turn misfortune to an advantage. The pinnacle of her performance is the moment when she finds her revenge in the fact that her ex is about to became a father. She genuinely laughs at it because, as she says: “the kid will be getting out of diapers” about when he (the ex) “is getting into them.”
The Savannah Sipping Society is a funny, witty, fast-paced comedy about rediscovery through the power of friendship. Although it has some emotional moments, it does not try to be deep or overly artistic. It is a light, hilariously funny entertaining piece that will keep you laughing throughout the performance.
Production: Linden House Theatre Company
Written by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, Jamie Wooten
Directed by George Stonyk
Cast:
Jennifer Sheffield Randa Covington
Janet Uren Dot Haigler
Venetia Lawless Marlafaye Mosley
Lindsay Laviolette JinxJenkins