Interview: REX'S EXES, a Southern Fried Sequel, Debuts at Old Opera House

Get ready for even more craziness with the Verdeen cousins as a huge helping of southern fried comedy, the farce Rex's Exes, debuts at the Old Opera House. Directed by Will Heyser-Paone, this stand-alone sequel written by Jones-Hope-Wooten, the comedic trio behind hits such as The Dixie Swim Club and The Hallelujah Girls, will premiere at the Old Opera House. Gaynelle Verdeen refuses to admit that she's turning 50, so her cousins attempt to throw her a surprise birthday party. However, the surprise is on them when the cousins are forced to turn the party into a full fledged family funeral!

While many films receive sequels, a sequel to a stage show is somewhat rare. Even more unique for this production of Rex's Exes is that the Old Opera House staff produced the first theatrical installment in the story, The Red Velvet Cake Wars, in 2014. Many of the original cast members have returned to reprise their roles in the sequel.

"The best part of this has been getting to work with the same characters and actors that I had worked with in the previous episode of this story. It was like slipping back into a comfortable shoe. You know the other actors already, so you know how they will react to lines and bits of business" said Christine Brewer, who plays Gaynelle Verdeen.

"The opportunity to play the same character in a sequel is rare, and it has been amazing to work with an already familiar character and develop it even further than the first time. It is like catching up with an old friend you haven't seen in a while" said Amy Hebb, who plays Jimmy Wyvette Verdeen.

Though the comedy has familiar roots for many of the cast members, some new challenges still occurred throughout the production's rehearsal process.

"La Merle is such a snotty old biddy that she repeats herself a lot, so it's hard to get the lines straight" said Catherine Tynan on playing La Merle Verdeen Minshew.

"The most challenging part of this production is the comic timing. Things in Jones-Hope-Woooten plays move fast, and sometimes it's tough to keep up!" said Hebb.

"With a show with lots of physical humor, you really need the space to make it work. The lines come fast and the humor is fast too, so it was important to rehearse it a lot so that it became second nature" said Brewer.

The cast is ready to present the wacky continuing adventures of the Verdeen family to audiences at the Old Opera House.

"Although the play is a sequel, it stands on its own. The audience will have a great time!" said Hebb. "Rex's Exes is so very funny! It has a heart and a message, but it will also make you bust a gut laughing" said Brewer.

"Just about everyone has a couple crazy relatives in their family like these gals, but these girls are over the top! It's a hilarious show and no one should miss this one!" said Tynan

Rex's Exes also features Ellen Nichols as Cee Cee Windham, Katie Kennedy as Peaches Verdeen Belrose, Lee Hebb as Aubrey Verdeen, Angela Williams as Bitsy Hargis, Glenn Frail as Theodore Rexford Belrose, Elizabeth Egan as Gentle Harmony, Winky Francis as Mama Doll Hargis, Tia Coode as Marlissa Crutchfield and John Glymph as Wild Bill Boudreaux.

Rex's Exes will run March 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20 at the Old Opera House, located at 204 N. George Street, Charles Town, WV. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8:00 PM and Sunday matinee performances are at 2:30 PM.. Tickets are $19 for adults at Friday and Saturday evening performances, $17 for adults at Sunday matinees and $12 for students at all performances. Please call 304-725-4420 or visit www.oldoperahouse.org to make reservations.

Photo Credit: Old Opera House

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