NEW IBERIA, La. --- This September, the Iberia Performing Arts League will present Ivan Menchell's humorous and touching play, "The Cemetery Club," as opening production of its 2013-2014 Season.
This comedy, directed by Dianne Moss, tells the story of three Jewish widows who meet once a month for tea before going to visit their husbands' graves. Ida is sweet-tempered and ready to start a new life. Lucille is a feisty embodiment of the girl who just wants to have fun. Doris is still grieving and looks forward to each monthly visit with "the club." Their visits to the gravesites have kept them close, but their bonds of friendship are challenged when they meet a charming man at the cemetery one Sunday in autumn.
According to the Washington Journal, "The Cemetery Club" will provide "an evening of pure pleasure that will make you glad you went to the theatre."
Starring in "The Cemetery Club" will be three IPAL veterans, as well as two new faces to the IPAL stage. Ida will be played by Jenny Felder, a familiar face in the Lafayette theatre scene. The role of Lucille will be portrayed by Ellen Rogers, and Sam by Mike Berry. Both Ellen and Mike are IPAL veterans and bring a wealth of experience to the IPAL stage. Patsy Hebert plays Doris, the grieving widow. She is from Abbeville and this is her first IPAL production. Julaine Schexnayder, another New Iberia personality, rounds out the cast as their mutual friend, Mildred.
"The Cemetery Club" will run Thursdays through Sundays, Sept. 5 through Sept. 15 at the historic Essanee Theatre in downtown New Iberia. The evening shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. and the two Sunday matinees at 3 p.m.
All tickets are $10. Advance tickets are available at Delaunes's Pharmacy, Paul's Flower Shop, or Accentrics on Main Street in New Iberia. Tickets may be obtained by calling IPAL at 337-364-6114 or emailing ipal@cox.net. Theatergoers should leave requested date and a return phone number. Tickets can also be purchased at the door on the day of the performance. For more information, call the theatre (337-364-6114) and leave your name, your number and a short message. Someone will get back to you.
IPAL is supported in part by a grant from the Louisiana State Arts Council through the Louisiana Division of the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.
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