SHREWSBURY – Following its debut last year, a Shrewsbury community theater group is inviting audiences to its second production. Afterward, it would like everyone to exit the theater still laughing.
Square One Players will present the comedy “Exit Laughing” by Paul Elliott at the Flanagan Theater in Southgate at Shrewsbury at 30 Julio Dr.
‘Girls’ night out
The play’s synopsis asks, “When the biggest highlight in your life for the past 30 years has been your weekly bridge night out with the ‘girls,’ what do you do when one of your foursome inconveniently dies?”
Answering the question, the synopsis continues, “If you’re Connie, Leona and Millie – three southern ladies from Birmingham – you do the most daring thing you’ve ever done. You ‘borrow’ the ashes from the funeral home for one last card game.”
Directing the show is Jeremy Woloski. He compares the actresses’ antics to those of classic ensemble sitcoms such as “The Golden Girls” and “Designing Women.”
“It’s great to see how the cast has grown their realistic characters in a very bizarre situation that feels almost believable,” he said.
Meet the cast
Foley Herrmann plays Connie, a character who ultimately accepted a monotonous lifestyle until she’s reawakened.
“Foley is warm and bubbly, but also sarcastic and biting, which is appropriate for her character,” Woloski said.
Rose Gage portrays Leona, a role described by Woloski as “an angry drunk” who “didn’t have the greatest life.”
“Rose has a good way of softening up Leona’s mean lines,” he noted.
Woloski cast Ali Rei to play Millie, a character Woloski describes as “innocent, ditzy and caring.”
“Ali does a great job with the physical comedy that we’ve added,” he said.
Anh Dao portrays Connie’s daughter Rachel, a college student.
“Anh is making her character a nice yang to everybody else’s ying,” Woloski explained.
Rounding out the cast is Collin Touchette, playing a surprise guest at the women’s bridge night.
“Collin is the only man in the cast and he holds his own on stage with all the women – especially during the more risqué moments,” Woloski said. “He puts on a good show.”
An onstage urn represents the deceased character.
Mark your calendar
Woloski previously directed shows at the Flanagan Theater with the now-closed Regatta Players. He’s also set to direct Square One Players’ summer musical “Nunsense” at the Flanagan Theater.
In the meantime, he welcomes theater patrons to see “Exit Laughing.”
“The play has funny and touching moments,” Woloski said. “It’ll be nice for audiences to sit back and enjoy the interaction between the characters in a relatively straightforward story.”
The Square One Players have scheduled four performances of “Exit Laughing.” Evening shows are Saturdays, March 19 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees are March 20 and 27 at 2 p.m.
Proof of COVID-19 vaccinations is required for patrons over age 5. Masks must be worn.
General admission is $20. Tickets are $17 for students under 18 and seniors 60 and up. For more information and to reserve tickets, visit squareoneplayers.com, call 508-669-7750 or email [email protected].
RELATED CONTENT
Free stage play to be presented at Northborough Town Common
Square One Players get set to bring community theater back to Shrewsbury
Northborough-based chorus ‘still singing together’ in 50th year
