The First United Methodist Church makes an annual tradition out of presenting great shows along with a terrific meal, and the latest is on display this weekend only!
Joy has supplied the play for the past three years, each one a new chapter in the life of Bitsy and Boots, two sisters from Lawrence County, Ohio, who can be a bit... contrary, shall we say.
The events of the play traditionally revolve around a visit by their nephew Tommy and his fiancee (and now wife), Kat. The second edition of the play added another cantankerous character to the mix - cousin Ida, who would try the patience of a saint.
All those characters return for the newest play, along with Boots' beau Max, and three new characters: Bridgett, a fast-talking friend; Franklin, who adores Bitsy; and Cheryl Daniels, an inept police officer.
The play is very funny, both for the terrific characters and the hilarious situations and events they're caught up in. Joy has a terrific ear for dialogue, and I love the references to real locations sprinkled in throughout the story.
The show also succeeds because it has such a terrific cast. Jane Morse owns the part of Bitsy, the flinty, somewhat grouchy and always entertaining sister. Her comic skills are amazing to watch, and always delightful.Loretta Hetzer also owns the part of Boots, the somewhat sweeter and slightly ditzy sister. Her comic timing is right on the money, as she takes on the "straight woman" role with great energy.
I've praised my pal Mike Murdock (Max) many times in the past - he's a thorough professional and one of the funniest actors I've ever seen on stage, period. Here he not only steals virtually every scene he's in but manages to save the show - he took over the role just four days ago, but you'd never know by watching - his timing and deliver are impeccable.
Rebecca Payne returns as Ida, the cousin to the sisters, and she strides the stage with incredible confidence and skill. She's an absolute scream as the most irritating, annoying and delightful character you're likely to see. Wonderful work here on her part.
Adam Stephens plays Tommy, the long-suffering nephew who finds himself in the middle of Bitsy's plans. He does an outstanding job at being the straight man and perhaps the only sane character in this crazy cast.
His wife Kat is played by Melissa Langham, who returns to the role for a second time. She had some of my favorite scenes in the show, delivered with a manic, "I Love Lucy"-style intensity that had me howling (and let me add, comparing a comic actress to Lucy is the highest compliment I know).
The newest members to the cast are also terrific comedic actors, including: the very funny Stephen Vance as Franklin, who's lovestruck by Bitsy (he also provided these photos, by the way - thanks, Stephen!); the hilarious Leann Haines as Bridgett, the motor-mouthed gal who gets drawn into Bitsy's latest scheme; and the zany Sarah Lester Tschop as Cheryl Daniels, a police officer who must be related to my all-time favorite TV deputy from Mayberry.
An honorable mention goes out to Stacy Morgan, who played the never-seen newscaster. Well done!
If this show tradition goes on much longer at First United Methodist Church, they're going to need a bigger stage! The one at the church is small, and the cast of characters just keeps growing!Kudos to everyone - the cast, directors and tech crew - for a terrific job on a very funny show!
If you're looking for a laugh (and don't mind eating an outstanding meal at the same time), you must see Bitsy, Boots and Friends! You can thank me later.
TICKET INFO: - the comedy will be presented Saturday and Sunday at 6:30 p.m. at 1124 5th Avenue in Huntington. Proceeds from the dinner theater will help fund the church youth work team and many other projects. A ticket for dinner plus show is $22 for an adult and $8 for a child under 12. Tickets for the show only will be sold for $5 each, as space permits. Reservations are required for all shows - call 304-522-0357 or 740-867-8576.
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