Submitted by RCT
RUSSELL — Russell Community Theater closes out its 2014 season with “Delval Divas,” written by Barbara Pease Weber and directed by RCT volunteer John Dumler. This contemporary comedy shows a slice of life from the inside of the Delaware Valley Federal Correctional Facility.
Delval houses some of the most successful “pink”-collar criminals to have ever walked the earth. Stella, Rosemary, Linda and Beth have the warden in one pocket and the guard in the other, and are able to maintain their luxurious lifestyles. Troubles begin when Beth is prematurely released and a murderess arrives in her place. To top it off, the Department of Corrections has announced its intention to close the Delval facility. The Divas get busy solving a murder and saving Delval.
Both veteran and new actors are striving to bring characters to life. Crystal Craig, Teressa Roe and Sheryl Krug take to the stage with plenty of RCT experience under their belts. Kristin Wagner and Kaylee Kuhlmann-Donner return to the stage after several appearances with RCT, and Shalyn Rankin is appearing in an RCT production for the first time.
Stella Wild, MBA (Crystal Craig) is a stockbroker convicted of insider trading. Stella made millions on Wall Street and is the unofficial boss and Diva-in-Charge. Rosemary Adams, Esq. (Teressa Roe) is a banking lawyer convicted of skimming mortgage funds. Rosemary is the kind-hearted, “Compassionate Diva.” Linda Robertson, MD (Sheryl Krug) is a medical doctor convicted of defrauding Meidcaid in a managed care scandal. Linda is the “Neurotic Diva.” Beth Ziegler, MBA (Kristin Wagner) is a technology wizard convicted of Internet fraud. Beth is the “Calm and Cool Diva.” Sharon Watson (Shalyn Rankin) has been charged with killing her ex-husband’s new wife. Sharon is the “Innocent Diva.” Lucille (Kaylee Kuhlmann-Donner) is a prison guard by day and MBA student by night, thanks to the support of the Divas. Lucille has a gutsy exterior with a tender interior and is the “Diva with the Attitude.”
Performances run Tuesday through Saturday, Oct. 7 to 11 at the RCT Playhouse (Fifth and Kansas, Russell). Show time is at 8 p.m. Admission is $10 or by season ticket. “Delval Divas” is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French Inc. For more information, contact RCT at (785) 483-4057.
Russell Community Theater is a nonprofit theater company in Russell. The sole purpose of RCT is to produce theater for the community and the surrounding area. Completely volunteer-driven, RCT is supported financially solely through ticket admissions and gifts from those supportive of community theater. Since its inception in 1986, RCT has presented 80 full-scale theatrical productions.