File Photo Rogers City

ROGERS CITY — This weekend is your last chance to get a break from the pandemic negativity and treat yourself and family or friends to the delightful “Savannah Sipping Society” at Rogers City Theater.

The modern comedy, presented by Rogers City Community Theatre, will be showing at 7:30 p.m. tonight and Saturday, at 2 p.m. Sunday.

A cast full of seasoned female actors bring fun and excitement to the stage, each with their own pizzazz, based on their characters’ unique personalities.

In this comedy set in Savannah, Georgia, Val Schalk plays Randa, a perfectionist workaholic who loses her job and realizes she has spent so much time working that she doesn’t have any friends — until now. Charlotte Heidemann plays Dot, a recently widowed woman who is struggling to move on with her life as a single woman. Pennie Hoeft plays Marlafaye, a loud and proud Texas gal who seems to not care what anyone thinks of her, as she forges onward after her fresh divorce from an unfaithful husband. Theresa Gibson plays Jinx, a cosmetics saleswoman and life coach, who is always on the move. Elaine Heidemann plays a short but hilarious role as Randa’s grandmother.

Throughout the play, each woman takes the spotlight with monologues in between scenes, which enhances the audience’s understanding of each woman’s character.

The actors effortlessly laugh and joke with each other, making playgoers feel as though they are hiding in the bushes spying on these ladies just having a good old time on Randa’s veranda. They get into their share of mischief, too, running about town and trying to be “spontaneous,” as Jinx suggests. Dancing until their feet ache, attending a medieval fair, and going out on dates and reporting back to each other are just some of the activities these women venture out to do, with some success and some disaster thrown in.

On the surface, this play may seem to be all about tossing back a few drinks and laughing it up. but each of these women has a story to tell and lot left to learn about friendship, loss, and the possibilities the future still holds, even for women “of a certain age.”

These experienced actors put their whole heart into this production, making it a joy to watch from start to finish. If you haven’t seen it yet, treat yourself to a whole lot of laughs, and perhaps a tear or two, by attending this high-energy play.

Director Karl W. Heidemann is joined on the production crew by Assistant Director Caitlyn Shadbolt, microphone operator Baylee Lijewski, light board operator Noah Hanson, and sound technician Riconda Lamb. The set was beautifully designed by Director Heidemann and constructed with the help of other RCCT members.

“The Savannah Sipping Society” was written by the award-winning comedy team of Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten.

This play is recommended for ages 13 and up because of adult innuendos and mild language.

The historic Rogers City Theater is handicap-accessible, located at 257 N. Third St. Tickets are $14 per adult and $6 for all students. The box office opens one hour prior to each performance. For more information, call 989-734-7368.

Seating is limited to 50% capacity, but since the venue is large, that still allows for 140 people to attend. Masks and social distancing are required.