Candy Delilah Swim Membership (previously referred to as Candy Dixie Swim Membership) tells the story of 5 girls and their lifelong friendship. Each August, the previous swim staff mates meet on the Candy Delilah Cottage for an unforgettable getaway. Playwrights Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten created 4 scenes in the identical location to indicate their storied friendship, when the characters are 44, 49, 54, and 77. Rooftop Productions presents this comedy with heat and large coronary heart. The actresses had been guided by director Sallie Willows.
The perennial staff captain is Sheree, performed with precision by Terri Ritchey. She was the detail-oriented matriarch who cooked, cleaned, and arranged the buddies on their getaways — a lot to their chagrin. The career-driven Dinah Grayson is performed by Leslie Anne Ross with dry wit and drink in hand. To keep away from spoilers, I’ll merely say that her appearing within the third scene was particularly transferring. Talya Conroy as Jerri Neal was energetic and playful. Her character introduced many light-hearted and comedic moments by means of her naivete and bubbly persona.
The alluring Lexie was performed by AnuRa Harrison. Harrison absolutely embodied the Blanche Devereaux–sort character, from her shoulder shimmies to the double-tongued Southern lilt, the place you by no means fairly know for those who’re being cared for or criticized — or maybe each. Her comedic timing and facial expressions had been pleasant. I used to be additionally impressed by her tenderness within the third scene the place we’re launched to a softer aspect of the boisterous vixen.
One other standout is Carolyn Corsano Wong as Vernadette Sims. The character leads a lifetime of seemingly infinite dangerous luck. Wong’s physicality and supply had been pitch-perfect, dealing with the humorous dialogue and absurd eventualities with ease. Vernadette’s character arc was unhappy at occasions however didn’t evoke pity — she’s fabricated from sturdy stuff and has a humorousness about her conditions. The ultimate scene was particularly effectively acted by Wong and introduced tears to my eyes, reminding me of my family members who had comparable experiences.
The Kellar Household Theater is the highest ground of The ARTfactory in Outdated City Manassas. The historic house was reworked right into a trip residence by set designer Ted Ballard and set dresser Charlotte Steele. Though the play happens in a single place, every scene is in a special time, requiring the forged and crew to take a couple of minutes to vary costumes and set dressings. The songs used for the pre-show and set adjustments had been effectively chosen to maintain the viewers engaged whereas ready.
This manufacturing was humorous and heartfelt, an ideal present for followers of Southern-set witty comedies, like Designing Ladies and The Golden Women.
Operating Time: 90 minutes.
Candy Delilah Swim Membership performs two extra occasions — July 23, 2022, at 7:30 pm and July 24 at 3 pm — introduced by Rooftop Productions acting at Kellar Household Theater in The ARTfactory, 9419 Battle Road, Manassas, VA. Buy tickets ($20–$25) on-line.
The Candy Delilah Swim Membership by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten
Directed by Sallie Willows
Sheree: Terri Ritchey
Dinah: Leslie Ann Ross
Lexie: AnuRa Harrison
Vernadette: Carolyn Corsano Wong
Jeri Neal: Talya Conroy
COVID Security: Face coverings are really useful.
