By Deanna Brown
Prepare yourself for side-splitting laughs at the Warehouse Living Arts Center Theatre production of “Wedding Belles.”
The all-female cast is set in Laura Lee McInerny’s (Diana Reynolds) back yard in Eufala Springs, Texas, in June 1942. Four life-long friends, Laura Lee, Bobrita Tolliver (played by WLAC veteran Debbie Hanks), named for Daddy Bob and Mama Rita; Bobrita’s sister, Violet Montgomery, played by Carolyn Draper; and the delightfully man-loving Glendine Slocum, played with great comedic timing by Barbara Erwin; are trying to plan the Garden Club gala.
They are interrupted by the appearance of Ima Jean Tatum from a Masonic orphanage, played by 14-year-old Chloe Stevens in her first starring role at the WLAC.
What ensues is funny, sad, touching and endearing as the four friends rally around the young girl, then turn on one another, and reunite in a touching conclusion.
Stevens is the daughter of Mike and Diane Stevens of Rice, and was home-schooled until seventh grade. She is a student at Rice High School, and enjoys reading, listening to music and hanging with her friends. Chloe has been involved with the WLAC’s Corsicana Children’s Company acting classes and theatre camps for several years.
“I have loved every second of it,” Stevens said. “I am a big fan of theatre and acting, and would like to major in it one day.”
Erwin has performed in six other WLAC productions, most recently in “Dearly Beloved.” She is a former Corsicana Independent School District teacher, and serves on the WLAC board of directors. She enjoys gardening, traveling with husband Ed, and visiting her two granddaughters in the Washington, D.C., area.
Hanks started her WLAC participation nine years ago, both on stage and behind the scenes, where she now serves as president of the WLAC board of directors. She has also served as production manager for at least four major shows. Hanks was awarded the 2005 Volunteer of the Year Distinguished Service award. She lives in Powell, works in the family business, Hanks Insurance Group Inc., and she and husband Dock enjoy time with their five children and 10 grandchildren.
Carolyn Draper, who plays Violet Montgomery, is a registered massage therapist, and a published author of poetry. She is a professional pianist, organist and vocalist, and has performed in “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Oklahoma!” and “Nuptials.”
Diana Reynolds returned to the Texas heat seven years ago, and believes in the value of volunteerism.
“May you find yourself inspired this day to reach out and donate some of your precious time to making this fine county even better,” she said. “Opportunities abound!
“We hope you thoroughly enjoy and appreciate the hard work, time and passion that we’ve donated for this endeavor.”
Tickets may be obtained by calling the Warehouse box office at (903) 872-5421. The production is directed by WLAC executive director Sandra McClure Mahood. The show will run at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17-19, 22, 24-26 and a 2 p.m. matinee performance Sept. 20.
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