‘The Savannah Sipping Society ‘ VPA debuts modern comedy tonight

WASILLA — Laughter and characters an audience can relate to. That’s what director Dave Nufer hopes to deliver during Valley Performing Arts Center’s latest production, “The Savannah Sipping Society.”

The modern comedy following the lives of four middle-aged southern women who form a tight bond of friendship debuts Friday at 7 p.m. at the association’s theatre in Wasilla.

“It’s February, so it’s a perfect time to come and laugh,” Nufer said. “I can almost guarantee that there will be something in one of the characters that you can relate to.”

Nufer said that despite the title, this story is less about drinking and more about the relationships built between the four leading ladies. Nufer said that he’s looked forward to each rehearsal and, “as a director, that is a good thing.”

“It’s been a joy working with these ladies. They are a hoot and I think people will appreciate that when they see them on stage,” Nufer said.

“The Savannah Sipping Society” follows the story of four different women drawn together by their individual needs of escaping daily, the wheels of fate and an “impromptu happy hour.” They ultimately decide to grab a hold of their enthusiasm for life lost over the years, according to the play description on the VPA website.

“Over the course of six months, filled with laughter, hilarious misadventures, and the occasional liquid refreshment, these middle-aged women successfully bond and find the confidence to jumpstart their new lives,” according to the VPA website.

Tammy Brehm plays Randa Covington, one of the four leading ladies. She said that each character shares about the same amount of monologue time. She said that the topics covered in this play will be easy to relate to.

“Some of it is very relatable even though I’m not middle aged,” Brehm said.

Brehm noted that this play is a comedy, but is does touch on serious subjects like losing a loved one. Brehm said it manages to make light of those difficult topics with the power of humor. She said that on stage and otherwise, humor is often one of the best medicines.

“Sometimes the best way to work through the hard times is through laughter,” Brehm said. “If you can’t laugh at it, it can really get you down.”

“The Savannah Sipping Society” opens at VPA this Friday at 7 p.m. General admission is $19 and it costs $17 for students and seniors. Performances are Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. The show runs from Feb. 15 to March 3. For dinner theatre tickets, call 907-373-0195.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com