The next Great Bend Community Theatre production opens Thursday with four sassy senior citizens taking control of their lives at the retirement/continual care community in Leslie Kimbell’s comedy, “Four Old Broads.”
The play can be seen Nov. 18-21 at the Crest Theater, 1905 Lakin Ave. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets can be purchased online at gbct.net.
The play is directed by Angela Meitner and Joni Haines. Due to some language, it is intended for mature audiences.
The “broads” include Beatrice, a retired burlesque queen (played by Teresa Frieb), who is desperate for a vacation from life at Magnolia Place Assisted Living. All she needs to do is save dementia-suffering Imogene (Janice Perez, in her first starring role with GBCT) from being sent to the “dark side” of the facility, convince soap opera addict Maude (Karen Gore) to forego funeral planning long enough to live, and convince her best friend Eaddy (Cathy Anderson) to stop praying and join her on a Sassy Seniors Cruise through the Caribbean. But it’s not that simple:
They also must outsmart evil nurse Pat Jones (Ashley Wood) and survive the amorous retired Elvis impersonator Sam (KB Bell). At least the new nurse aide Ruby Sue (Arabia Albert) seems nice.
“Falling in love, naughty laughter, happy tears and solving a dangerous mystery make this fun-filled romp a true delight,” according to Meitner. “One thing is certain ... these old broads are not YOUR grandmother. Or wait ... maybe they are!”
GBCT veteran actress Frieb suggested “Four Old Broads” for the Great Bend stage.
“I saw it in Russell and laughed to the end,” she said. “Everybody’s got a line or two that just knocks you out.”
The return to the Crest Theater ends a one year, nine-month absence from that stage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meitner said the crew is happy to end that dry spell. She also expressed thanks to Meitner Fence & Deck for underwriting the production.
The balcony at the Crest has been reserved for each of the evening shows, by Jerry and Colleen Renk, Animal Medical Center, and the winner of a CASA auction.
