A new production from the Batesville Community Theatre (BCT) that will leave audiences in “high spirits” is scheduled for this weekend.
“Drinking Habits,” will play Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 9 through Feb. 11, at the BCT Performing Arts Center, 1295 Main Street, in Batesville. Performances will begin at 7 p.m. There will also be a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. on Feb. 12.
The comedy farce, written by award-winning playwright Tom Smith, tells the story of two nuns in the “Convent of the Sisters of Perpetual Sewing” who try to keep their small abbey open by secretly making and selling wine — a “habit” that will lead to trouble, according to a BCT media release.
A synopsis from the release sets up the action:
“Expert seamstresses, Sister Philamena (Emily McMasters) and bossy, yet cautious Sister Augusta (Amelia Bowman) have managed to hide their side business from the Mother Superior (Georgette Sims) who can not even say the word ‘wine’ let alone imbibe. Mother Superior has received news from Rome that threatens to shut down their order. Accusations and mistaken identities begin to run rampant as two reporters, Sally (Charley Merrick) and Paul (Stephen Norris), are sent to uncover the libations scheme for a news story and pose as a nun and visiting priest. Other characters include Father Chenille (Colyn Bowman), the groundskeeper George (Westley Gibbs), and novice nun Sister Mary Catherine (Savannah Warren). As everyone tries to preserve the convent, spirits and secrets spill, and the laughs from the audience are sure to flow like the sisters’ fruit of the vine.”
Image: George (Westley Gibbs) breaks the silence about the wine production while Sister Augusta (Amelia Bowman) and Sister Philamena (Emily McMasters) try to quiet him. / Image by Ashley Holmes Photography provided by BCT
“This show has been an amazing experience,” director Brandt McDonald said. “We’ve had many new people from the community help with the set, props, and costumes, which is great because BCT is eager to get the whole community involved and reach more people. We’ve also had some new actors on stage as well as understudies. I’m hoping that our community theater continues to grow and that these new players bring in new ideas so that we can keep entertaining our communities. You do not want to miss this hilarious show.”
Tickets can be purchased in the lobby. Admission is $20 per person.
‘Drinking Habits’ cast members Westley Gibbs (left) and Charley Merrick recently dropped by the Slightly Scrambled morning show with Wes Gwaltney on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ to discuss the production. Listen to their interview below.
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BCT production, ‘Drinking Habits,’ scheduled for this weekend
