Review: CALENDAR GIRLS at ARENA DINNER THEATRE

Arena Dinner Theatre specializes in charming comedies featuring middle-aged women, and its latest production, Calendar Girls, fits right in.

The play, based on the 2003 film starring Helen Mirren, tells the story of the members of the Yorkshire branch of the Women's Institute and how they raise money to memorialize the late husband of one of their members.

Their typical annual fundraiser is a calendar of tasteful local photos-covered bridges and the like. But when they realize that "sex sells," they decide to switch things up and create a calendar of tasteful semi-nudes in everyday settings with their middle-aged selves as the models. The calendar is an unexpected hit and thrusts them into the international limelight. The ladies fight against societal, religious, familial, and personal mores in the name of honoring their beloved friend and raising money for the cancer ward of their local hospital, but along the way, they learn about themselves and how strong the bonds of their friendship really are.

With Brian H. Wagner as director, the outstanding cast and crew come together to deliver both laughter and tears-and interesting intermission conversation among the audience members ("Would you pose semi-nude for charity?").

A few of the actors may be a little young for their roles but their camaraderie stills shines through. Gloria Minnich's Annie is the heart of the piece. Her emotional connection to her husband, both before he dies and after, is heartfelt and believable. Becky Niccum is hilarious as Chris, the self-centered W.I. member who starts to lose herself in the intoxication of fame.

Eileen Claypool plays Cora, who is one of the more fun-loving, youthful members of the group. Claypool also gets to exhibit her musical talent by playing piano and singing throughout the show. Mary Alberding shows her range as the mild-mannered, submissive Ruth. When faced with a particular turn of events in her life, she unexpectedly comes into her own-much to the delight of the opening night audience.

Janet Higgins Howard and Jenn Rothenbush round out the Calendar Girls, and they are equally delightful. Rothenbush's Celia is the sexually self-confident member of the group, and Jessie, played by Howard, is the sassy school teacher. Howard earns one the night's biggest laughs during the photo shoot scene, which was hilarious top to bottom (pun not intended but still appropriate).

Jordan Plohr is fantastic in his small role as Lawrence, the calendar photographer. With a quiet Scottish accent and nervous mannerisms, Plohr brilliantly conveys his character's artistic vision, personal integrity, and understanding of human nature.

The two devoted husbands in the show are played by Sean Arata and Gary Lanier. Arata is sympathetic and touching as John, whose death from cancer is the catalyst for the plot. Lanier is also strong as Rod, Chris' florist husband whose frustration over his wife's newfound fame is understandable.

The rest of the cast includes Suzan Moriarty as the sanctimonious Marie, Hazel Stream as the ever-so-proper Lady Cravenshire, Judy Whitney as a W.I. guest speaker and broccoli enthusiast, Ken Boner as a slimy TV producer, and Emily Caudill as a condescendingly perky makeup artist.

Supported by costume design by Reuben Albaugh and clever lighting effects by Brock Graham, Calendar Girls is a must-see. Although the show was sold out as of opening night, Arena will be opening up a second Sunday matinee.

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