DANVILLE —
Political humor that is still relevant today will be featured in the Red Mask Players’ upcoming production of “The Girls in 509.” Back in 1962, this comedy was the first Red Mask production in the Kathryn Randolph Theatre, and this is where they continue to perform 50 years later.
Director Debbie Prentice chose this particular show for sentimental reasons.
“My mother-in-law played Miss Freud in this play 50 years ago,” Prentice said. “She died before I got to meet her, so I’m doing this in her honor.”
The show dates and times are Friday, Saturday, Jan. 27-28, Feb. 3 and 4 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday and Jan. 29 at 2 p.m.
“Times may have changed, but whatever the era, passions about politics run high and often border on the ludicrous,” said Nancy Henderson, producer of the show.
That behavior is demonstrated by characters Aunt Hettie and her niece Mimsy, who play the lead roles in the comedy. On the night Franklin Roosevelt won the White House, this pair of diehard Republicans retired to a hotel room, vowing not to come out until the Republicans regained the presidency.
Because they were out of touch with the media, Hettie and Mimsy missed President Eisenhower’s election in 1952 and were still ensconced in their room when the hotel was going to be demolished in 1958.
The press and the national chairmen of the Republican and Democratic parties descend upon the ladies, and political shenanigans ensue.
The cast includes Leslie Boedicker as Mimsy; Sharon Tipsword as Aunt Hettie; Jim Crain as old Jim; Chase Todd as Ryan; and Tim Kirby as Pusey.
Bev Neese plays Miss Freud; Rick Prentice plays Allen and Nella; Kalen McGowen is Summers; Mary Lovejoy is Johnson; Dustin Jones is Rosenthal; and James Potts plays McKittridge.
Gail Garner is stage manager and Sara Hunt is managing props.
Henderson finds the play very funny.
“I can see current political figures in the characters of this show,” she said.
“It’s so nice to have both Red Mask veterans and new people on stage and behind the scenes,” she added, “and I couldn’t be happier with the cast.”
Prentice is especially pleased to have Boedicker back on stage for a change since she typically works only behind the scenes. Also new to the Red Mask stage are Jones, Todd, Kirby, McGowen and Lovejoy.
In honor of the Red Mask Players’ 75th anniversary, a $300 gift basket chock full of items donated by area merchants will be given away at the last performance of the show.
Ticket information
The Red Mask Players will present “The Girls in 509” beginning Friday. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $10 for students. To purchase tickets, call the Kathryn Randolph Theatre at 442-5858 during box office hours, or leave a message after hours and expect a return call. Box office hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Thursday, Jan. 26 and Feb. 2.
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