By Eva Trieger in La Mesa, California
Chutzpah! That’s what the women of the Knapley Village, in Yorkshire, England have in spades!
The true story of the members of the Women’s Institute Calendar Girls, was made into a staged production by Tim Firth in 2008. Lamplighters Community Theatre has brought this show to San Diego audiences and though it is largely comedic, it taps every nerve in the body.
When Annie’s husband, John, passed away from leukemia, the women’s group wanted to memorialize him in the form of a settee for hospital visitors. After some debate and no small amount of coercion, the ladies decided to make a fetching calendar that revealed a bit of flesh in a very tasteful way. These were not naked photos, but artistic nudes. What made this choice chutzpahdik, is the fact that these ladies were all middle aged!
While most women would feel quite self-conscious posing for photos while scantily clad, Annie’s husband said, “The flowers of Yorkshire are like the women of Yorkshire. Every stage of their growth has its own beauty, but the last phase is always the most glorious.” This sentiment enabled the women to create their calendar shielded by skeins of yarn, cinnamon buns, bunches of grapes and other crafty items.
The calendar sales were massively successful, and the W.I. was able to accomplish their goals. However, their meteoric rise to fame definitely encountered some major turbulence.
Chris (Denelda Norwood) and Annie (Lynn Zwissler-Smith) had a serious falling out, as Annie saw Chris’s actions as self-serving. Ruth (Maggi Veltre) found herself facing off, figuratively and literally, with the overbearing Marie (Lesa Sailors) chapter head of the WI, and judged poorly by Lady Cravenshire (Winona McNitt). Jessie (Darlene Cleary), Cora (Angie Doren) and Celia (Maria Maclean) had their own struggles with baring their souls (and their “girls”), accepting vulnerability and empowerment.
Just as modesty plays a large role in Judaism, tzniut is respected and observed in Calendar Girls. The women on stage are, at no time, immodest or gratuitous; they demonstrate complete self-respect and humility. Their vulnerability comes from their dialogue and their sisterhood.
John (Michael Madden) plays the role of the man whose life was cut way too short by his cancer. Lawrence, the photographer and caregiver (William Rickman) assists the women with his compassion and photographic skill. Rod, Chris’s husband, is played by Jeffrey Toshigian. He is supportive to his energetic and sometimes overzealous wife.
Director Mary L. Smith did an incredible job at curating a cast who felt authentic, and genuine. Each actor completely embodied his/her role making audience members feel the tension, celebration and pain of the characters. Producer and set designer Katrina Peterson should be very proud of this production and massive kudos go to her and to Dale Goodman and Brent Knight, for a very creative set on this small stage.
Calendar Girls will run through September 20th. Tickets may be purchased at www.lamplighterslamesa.com or by phone at 619.303.5092.
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Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in the coverage of the arts.