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A hilarious tale that offers a glimpse of the inner workings of the female psyche is anticipated bring the laughter as “Always a Bridesmaid” debuts for a two-week run beginning at 6 p.m. Friday at WILLow LeaVes of Hope, located at 326 Jackson St. in downtown Hope. 

The play follows the friendship of a group of four ladies over the course of several decades who made a pact in high school to be in one another’s weddings – No matter what.

“It isn’t your typical slapstick comedy,” says producer and director Naomi Fleetwood-Pyle. “It is more in the vein of a smartelec take that offers insight into the female psyche.”

Written by Jones Hope Wooten, the story follows four Southern friends – Libby Ruth, Deedra, Monette and Charlie -- over the course of 30 years. From the headstrong and self-involved to the tree-hugger, the ladies navigate the ins-and-outs of relationships together.

Relationships may come and go, but friendship is forever – they say.

Pyle, who portrays venue hostess and owner Sedalia Ellicott, says the guys who attend the performance will find it an interesting look at how women operate with one another.

“Even though they argue, they have one another’s back,” Pyle says. “I think it is different in the respect that it doesn’t have the male/female romanticism. The guys are spoken of and have names, like Fletcher, but you don't see them.”

Veteran actress Falicia Whited returns to the stage as Monette and admits she channeled the character of Suzanne Sugarbaker [portrayed by Delta Burke] from the late 80s CBS sitcom Designing Women when crafting her approach.

Whited describes her character as classy but a bit rough around the edges.

A savvy businesswoman, Monette knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. She’s the big hair and glitzy façade to complement her big personality – but appearances aren’t what they seem.

“She really has a good heart,” Whited says. “But she is all about her life, her looks. But people love her in spite of it because she is such a sweet soul underneath it all.”

And her proclivity for fashion is only gently rivaled by her penchant for weddings – namely being a bride.

 “It is a very funny show that transcends the female perspective,” Whited says. “And talks a lot about relationships and expectations.”

Debuting in this production is Kathy Ripberger who portrays Deedra, a no-nonsense D.C. judge who acts as the voice of reason for the group, Ripberger says.

The play is very relatable to those who have had experience with weddings – be it attending, planning or participating – Ripberger says.

“There’s always some kind of disaster that ensues,” she adds.

Audiences will get lots of laughs as many can relate to the situations that ensue when you have a wedding.

“It’s a very funny show that transcends the female perspective and talks a lot about relationship and expectations,” Whited says.

Breakout:
What: “Always a Bridesmaid” presented by Actor’s Studio on Stage in collaboration with WILLow LeaVes of Hope.
When: 7 p.m. October 11, 12, 18 and 19 (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; Dinner 6 p.m. and Show at 7 p.m.); 2 p.m. October 13 and 20 (Doors open at 12:30 p.m.; Dinner at 1 p.m. and Show at 2 p.m.).
Where: WILLow LeaVes of Hope, 326 Jackson St. in downtown Hope.
Cost: $35 per person and includes dinner, dessert and show.
For reservations or more information, call 812-341-7251 or 812-546-0640.

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