ATOI returns to grange stage with ‘Savannah Sipping Society’

Savannah Sipping Society opens at 7:30 pm on Friday, September 3
with seven performances until closing on Sunday, September 12

||| FROM DOUG BECHTEL for ACTORS THEATER OF ORCAS ISLAND |||

After almost two years without live theater, The Actors Theater is reopening at the Grange with “Savannah Sipping Society” a laugh-out-loud comedy written by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten who also wrote “The Dixie Swim Club” which The Actors Theater presented several years ago.

Randa, played by Dorrie Braun, is struggling to cope with a surprise career derailment that, unfortunately, reveals that she has no life and no idea how to get one. Dot, played by Diane Craig, is still reeling from her husband’s recent demise and the loss of their plans for an idyllic retirement. Marlafaye, played by Melinda Milligan, a good ol’ Texas gal who has blasted into Savannah in the wake of losing her tom-cattin’ husband to a twenty-three-year-old dental hygienist. Also new to town is Jinx, played by Suzanne Gropper, a spunky ball of fire determined to get their lives on track while she overlooks the fact that she’s the one most in need of help. There will also be short cameo appearances by DD Glaze (first weekend) and Annette Mazzarella (second weekend).

Savannah Sipping Society opens at 7:30 pm on Friday, September 3 with seven performances until closing on Sunday, September 12. Savannah Sipping Society is directed by Doug Bechtel.

The continued COVID problem has forced The Actors Theater to establish some additional rules: First, EVERYONE who attends MUST BE FULLY VACCINATED. Secondly, everyone will be required to wear a mask at all times when inside the building. The Actors Theater and the Grange will have water, juice and cookies available on the porch of the Grange before the show and during intermission. The entire production crew has been fully vaccinated and will wear masks. The actors will not wear masks unless they approach within six feet of the audience. The first row of seating has been moved from its normal position 6 feet from the front of the stage to almost 9 feet from the stage. All seats will be wiped down with a disinfectant before each performance. After the performance you will be able to meet with the actors outside the Grange building.

Tickets continue to be $10 and are available at Darvill’s Book Store, online at www.orcasactors.org, and at the door. For more information, contact Doug Bechtel at (360) 317-5601.