Put down your book club novel and pour a glass of wine. The 2023 Playhouse Season opens with Karen Schaeffer’s spirited comedy, “Girls’ Weekend.” The production runs May 5th through May 14th.

In this lightning-quick farce, four women travel to Dot’s Northwoods cabin to consume copious amounts of wine, laugh at their lives, trade stories and chat about their book club’s latest selection. However, after the third case of wine comes through the door, it becomes clear there will be more brewing than reviewing.
Carol monitors her temperature for the best window of opportunity to get pregnant. Her husband Rick drives her to the cabin and lingers, hoping for a quick tryst. Rick waits in a shed until Carol gives him the special porchlight signal.

Recent widow Meg is having a secret affair with Dot’s son Stephen. He unexpectedly shows up, wanting to further their relationship in stealth. Meg sends him to wait in a boathouse until he sees her special porchlight signal.

Ellie does not want to be a part of the weekend with her “elders.” Instead, she meets a local townie named Bubba and invites him to hide out in a barn. When he sees her special porchlight signal, he climbs into her bedroom window and sneaks her out to a local bar.

The only obstacle to each lady’s secret endeavor is Dot, who wants to stay up all night and party with the girls. As the bottles tip up, the secrets spill out and the men sneak in. The madcap, door-slamming chaos comes to a head when Dot wakes up and discovers her girls’ weekend is full of men!

“I like that each of the ladies have their own secrets and try their best to hide those secrets throughout the show,” commented Playhouse newcomer Jennifer Snyder.

“It’s fast-paced and hysterical,” added castmate Shelby Metz. “It’s a great show for a girls’ night out!”

Weekend hostess Dot is played by Deb Shank. Karen Kuntz and Dan Weston portray Carol and Rick. Meg is played by Shelby Metz, and Stephen is played by Will Renninger. Jennifer Snyder and Luke Beaver are Ellie (Meg’s daughter) and Bubba. Sheriff Tom is played by Joe Soloski.

“The audience will leave with their sides hurting from laughing so much. It’s such a fun show!” remarked Kuntz.

Clay Glenny directs this lively romp with Hunter “Radar” McVey serving as the spicy production’s stage manager. The savory set design is by Don Dietz with full-bodied sound by Rick Brown. The earthy lighting is designed by Keith Sutton with robust technical assistance from Barb Hughes. Jeanne Nagurny’s costumes add structured texture to the production.

“This show offers laughs for the whole family,” said Glenny. “Adults, youngsters and grandparents will love the hidden message of family.”
This show contains mild adult language and themes. For the safety of the cast and audience, The Playhouse will follow current CDC COVID guidelines. Please visit the CDC website for more information.

“Girls’ Weekend” opens on May 5th and continues May 6th, 12th and 13th at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinee showings are May 7th and 14th at 2:00 p.m. Ticket prices are $15 for regular admission and $13 for seniors (age 60 and older) and students (age 6 and older). Payment options include cash, check, debit or credit card. For reservations, please call 814-627-0311.