The Saturday Morning Garden Club at Shoestring Theatre Company

Original Comedy Debuts in Fairfax City Spotlight on the Arts: "Housewives Meet the Steel Magnolias"

FAIRFAX, VA – The Saturday Morning Garden Club of Big Stone Gap faces a challenging season as they strive to beautify the town and present  a spectacular flower display for the sixtieth anniversary of the state outdoor drama held in the town.  With a lack of volunteers, the club embarks on a membership drive that introduces new characters and adds drama to the close-knit community.

Club president Macy Gibbons is eager to find more members, and when master gardener Darby Pierpoint moves to town, Macy is excited to welcome her to the club. Despite risking the disapproval of other members, Macy assigns the young military widow important tasks and offers her praise. However, when Darby catches the eye of Macy's son, Larkin, tensions rise. Will Macy accept their budding relationship, or will it tear the club apart during its busiest season?

"This play showcases the hard work of garden clubs in a loving, lighthearted story," said Amelia Townsend, playwright and director. "Set in my real hometown of Big Stone Gap, Virginia, the play features the genuine efforts – but not the drama – of the local garden club."

The Saturday Morning Garden Club premieres as part of the Fairfax City Spotlight on the Arts, at 2 p.m. on April 30 at the Stacy C. Sherwood Center, 3740 Blenheim Blvd., Fairfax, VA. Additional performances are scheduled for May 5-7 at the Stacy C. Sherwood Center.

Further performances will be held May 20-21 at Arts Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon. Tickets are available in advance and on the days of the performance.

The original work features a talented cast: Shayne Gardner as Macy Gibbons, Edmond Taylor as Larkin, Caroline Kinney as Darby Pierpoint, Denen Norfleet as Cheyenne Campbell, Wendy Labenow as Barbara Patton, Tameka Taylor as Etta West, newcomer Jason Nix as Trace Mullins, Eddie Perez-Reyes as David Ensley, and Marielle Baker as Christy. The original music score is composed by Richard Phillips and Friends, as well as Tyler Hughes and the Empty Bottle String Band, all from Big Stone Gap.

Shoestring Theatre Company, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, shares the authentic culture of southwest Virginia to life through original stories that are presented across the Commonwealth.  Shoestring Theatre Company is generously supported by the City of Fairfax, the Fairfax Commission on the Arts, the Town of Big Stone Gap, the Knights of Columbus, and the Four Winds at Oakton.