A poignant church gathering: 'Ivy Gab' tells story of six women during historic times
Posted on Friday, September 5, 2008
Two wars, six women and one church.
These are the elements that bring diverse personalities together in the convocation hall of the fictional First Baptist Church in Ivy Gap, Tenn.
But "First Baptist of Ivy Gap"isn't really about the war, or the church, for that matter. Instead, it's about the six ladies who gather in 1945 and again in 1970, and how their lives have changed in between those two meetings.
"It's a comedy with what I would call some poignant moments,"said Julie Gabel, the play's director. "It's got its ups and downs."
Written by Ron Osborne," First Baptist of Ivy Gap"opens tonight at the Arts Center of the Ozarks in Springdale.
In the first scene, Gabel said, audience members are introduced to the women of diverse ages and backgrounds as they gather at the church in 1945 to roll bandages as part of the war effort. The main character, played by Vickie Hilliard, is Edith Ellington, who is the pastor's wife. Gabel described Ellington as a woman who has a lot of humor, and uses it to her advantage.
"She is the glue that holds this team of women together,"Gabel said.
Then, there is the ensemble cast that joins her.
Mary Ellen Rafferty, played by Evan Crawford, is a church organist and choir director who has a rebellious streak. Olene Wiffer, played by Lesha Kuehn, is young, attractive and has dreams about making it in Hollywood. Kim Fuhrman takes on the role of Luby Moore, who not only worries about her son who's fighting in the war, but also has a deep-seated secret. Vera Reynolds, played by Heidi Nash, is new to the church and is meeting the other five women for the first time.
As the audience gets to know these six characters, and their dreams, the story fast forwards to 1970, when the Vietnam War is in full thrust and the women gather at the church again, this time to prepare for the church's 100th anniversary celebration.
Gabel said substantial changes have happened in the women's lives during the 25-year span. While the audience meets the characters in the first act, they see the characters' personal development and growth during the second.
Gabel said "First Baptist at Ivy Gap"isn't preachy but, rather, treats the two wars as a fact of life.
"I don't think it's a big slap in your face kind of thing,"she said. "I don't know if it's making a social commentary or revealing what war can do."
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