GETTING OUT

Meet the women who jumpstart their lives in the comic play "The Savannah Sipping Society."

Boisterous Texan Marlafaye has blasted unto Savannah after losing her tom-cattin' husband to a 23-year-old dental hygienist. Also new to town is Jinx, a spunky ball of fire offering her services as a life coach.

Randa is a perfectionist and workaholic without a job or a life. Dot is also alone after the death of her husband and the loss of her plans for an idyllic retirement.

Fate throws these four Southern women together in the Harstine Island Theatre Club's production of "The Savannah Sipping Society" at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and June 30 and July 1, and 2 p.m. Sunday and July 2 at the Harstine Island Community Hall, 3371 E. Harstine Island Road N.

Admission is $10. Tickets are available at the door, and at Olympic Bakery, Jarrell's Cove Marina and Williams Flowers.

The theme of the play by Jamie Wooten, Jessie Jones and Nicholas Hope is it's never too late to make new friends. Jeannine Sturtevant is making her debut with HITC as director.

"I think it's timely to people coming out of COVID, re-evaluating their life," she said.

Amy Byykkonen, who plays Randa, joined the group in 2016 and her credits include "The Plight Before Christmas," "A Cinderella Christmas" and "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." Playing Dot is Sheryl Fellman, who has been active with the group since 2019.

Liza Brunner, who plays Jinx, has performed with the group since 2019 and her credits include "The Odd Couple," "The Short Show" and "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." Shelley Starrett, who plays Marlafaye, appeared in film, TV and commercial productions in Los Angeles before moving to Harstine Island.

Playing Cordelia is Pam Mueller, a former drama teacher in Bellingham who has acted, directed and worked backstage with the group since 2019.

The group is also auditioning performers for "The Short Show II," a collection of new lighthearted monologues, poetry and original works. Auditions are scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. July 7, and noon to 5 p.m. July 8 and 9. Schedule an audition appointment with director Daniel Frishman at 360-426-2214 or email [email protected]. Bring performance material that lasts between three and five minutes - it does not need to be memorized. No drop ins. The show is staged at 7 pm. Aug. 26 and Sept. 2, and 2 p.m. Aug. 27 and Sept. 3.