‘Hallelujah Girls’ has 1 more weekend

DONNA HORN/for the Van Wert independent

Off Stage Productions gives us the gift of laughter with its latest production, The Hallelujah Girls. This is a laugh-out-loud comedy suitable for all ages.

After a successful weekend run, The Hallelujah Girls will again be presented October 3 and 4 at the Van Wert Council on Aging, 220 Fox Road, Van Wert. A delicious buffet style dinner is provided by Catering at its Best by Sonya and Diane. Tickets are $25 for the dinner and show. Doors open Friday and Saturday at 6:30 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. followed by the show at 8 p.m.

The “Hallelujah Girls” consist of Sugar Lee Thompkins and her four closest friends.  After the death of one of their old friends, Sugar Lee decides that they must do something with their lives. She buys an old wreck of a church and transforms it into the Spa Dee Dah. Each of the women has her own set of problems. Carlene has buried three husbands and believes she is a black widow doomed to kill any man she marries.  Nita has a problem son with jail time and a probation officer.  She spends all her money and time trying to keep him happy and out of jail.  Mavis’ marriage is so dull and routine that it is in serious trouble. The last friend is the innocent younger sister of Carlene who celebrates every holiday with costumes and original songs. Sweet Crystal bakes treats for them and does everything she possibly can to raise their spirits.

Sugar Lee has an old enemy, Bunny Sutherland, a well-to-do, jealous and well-connected rival who is determined to get the spa and transform it into a museum.  Bunny has been jealous of Sugar Lee since high school.

Love enters the picture, bringing more complications.  In the end it all works out, but it must be seen to be believed.  You’ll be saying “Hallelujah” for The Hallelujah Girls.

Cast members include Mary Yackey as Carlene Travis, Lisa Eichler as Nita Mooney, Pat Howard as Mavis Flowers, Mandy Fifer as Crystal Hart, Terri Stevens as Sugar Lee Thompkins, Rebecca Coleman as Bunny Sutherland, Dan Bulau as Bobby Dwayne Dillahunt, and Ed Eichler and Bud Preston sharing the role of Porter Padgett. The play is directed by Carol Snyder, with Amy Shoppell as co-director.  This is a hilarious, feel good comedy that will make audience members happy they came.

Call 419.605.6708 for reservations. Reservations must be secured with a credit card.  More information may be obtained by calling the same number.