The Red Velvet Cake War
Written by Jones Hope Wooten
October 27-29, November 3-5 & 10-12, 2023
Friday & Saturday 8 pm, Sunday 3 pm
Directed by April J'Callahan Marshall
The outrageous antics of the three Verdeen cousins - Gaynelle, Peaches, and Jimmie Wyvette - have become the talk of the town in Sweetgum, not the least of which is Gaynelle's "accidentally" crashing her minivan through the bedroom of her husband’s girlfriend’s doublewide. But Peaches and Jimmie Wyvette have decided that their family reunion's success is the perfect way to prove Gaynelle’s sanity to a skeptical court-appointed psychologist. Things spin hilariously out of control as a neighbor's pet devours all the food, a one-eyed suitor shows up to declare his love, and a high-stakes wager is made on who bakes the best red velvet cake.
“The Red Velvet Cake War” is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection. www.dramatists.com
GET TICKETS
$20 for adults,
$17 for seniors (60+),
$15 for students and teachers,
$10 for children (12-).
All prices include sales tax.
Tickets go on sale Monday, August 21.
(Flex Ticket holders can call 336-499-1010 to reserve seats starting Monday, August 14.)
AUDITIONS:
Monday and Tuesday, September 11 & 12, from 7:00 - 9:30 pm each night - more information on our Auditions page
ROLES/CHARACTERS:
Gaynelle Verdeen Bodeen - A walking nervous breakdown who is fresh off being left by her husband of 27 years, for a younger woman. She has narrowly escaped prosecution but must pass a psych evaluation in order to be completely acquitted.
Peaches Verdeen Belrose - A loud-talking, fun-loving, flashy dresser, and the number one “mortuarial cosmetologist” in this part of Texas. Her husband has been missing for 7 years and she is finally ready to declare him legally dead. A busy working woman who is the most put together of the three cousins.
Jimmie Wyvette Verdeen - A hearty good ol’ girl with an unfortunate unibrow, dressed in classic men’s Western and not a big fan of make-up. Not often interested in men but has decided to compete for a neighboring widower.
Cee Cee Windham - Sassy and stylish hostess of Hospitality House, a low-budget cable access program in Sweetgum, Texas. Best friend to Gaynelle. (May double with Mama Doll Hargis.)
Uncle Aubrey Verdeen - The good-natured, oxygen-tank-dependent patriarch of the Verdeen family. Often dressed in a suit and tie, he is an old bachelor and ladies’ man. Great Uncle to Gaynelle, Jimmie Wy, and Peaches. Uncle to LaMerle.
LaMerle Verdeen Minshew - The well-dressed, self-serving, sharp-tongued matriarch of the Verdeen clan. She is an uptight elitist whose red velvet cake is legendary. She and Aubrey have been one-upping each other for decades.
Bitsy Hargis - Perky, prim, nosy and a throwback to the 1950’s. She is a bit of a southern viper, nice and sweet to your face, but vicious when she doesn’t get her way. Very competitive over a neighboring widower she is trying to “land”.
Mama Doll Hargis - A lively and special lady to Uncle Aubrey, and mother to Bitsy. (May double with Cee Cee Windham.)
Newt Blaylock - A high-energy, true Texas eccentric with a patch over one eye. He has a crush on Gaynelle and tries to fend off Peaches’ and Elsa’s advances.
Elsa Dowell - European-born, stern and ultra-efficient psychologist assigned to evaluate Gaynelle. She becomes obsessed with Newt and pursues him aggressively.
Sheriff Grover Lout - Somewhat skittish and incompetent, he comes armed with mirrored shades and a bad attitude. He likes to throw his weight around and abuse his power. (May double with Purvis Verdeen.)
Purvis Verdeen - Cousin to Gaynelle, Peaches, and Jimmie Wy. He loves to take and show pictures of dead relatives, and wears flashy plaid pants pulled up almost to his armpits. (May double with Sherrif Grover Lout.)