Southern comedy opens at Amelia Community Theatre

Amelia Community Theatre completes its 44th season with "The Sweet Delilah Swim Club," a laugh-filled comedy opening August 8 on the ACT main stage.   Written by playwrights Jones, Hope, and Wooten, it is the story of five Southern women whose friendship began during their college swim team days. They get together at a beach cottage called Sweet Delilah on North Carolina’s Outer Banks every August to catch up, meddle, laugh, and of course, swim.

The play begins 22 years after their graduation. Surprises are in store, as the women discover and dissect the recent  twists and turns their lives have taken with jobs and families. There’s Sheree, who still functions like a team captain, Dinah, now a cynical attorney, Lexie, the youth-obsessed event planner, and Jeri Neal, who continues to see the sunny side of life. Rounding out the team is Vernadette who depends on the emotional support of her friends because bad luck seems to always be on her doorstep.

As the women age from their 40s to their 70s in the play, they never lose their sense of humor or forget their swim team motto, “The faster we swim, the sooner we win.” Their bonds of friendship may get stretched and strained, but they never break.

The cast includes Jen DeGroff, Starr Duvall, Jennifer Jaress, Martha McDowell, and Jayme Taylor. Director Joseph Stearman says, “This production reminds audiences of the enduring power of friendship, and the importance of taking time for oneself and others. It is a celebration of women’s resilience, humor,  and the simple joys found in shared experiences.”

The opening night audience on August 8 is invited to the pre-show party at 6:30 p.m. to enjoy Southern summer treats of peach and vanilla ice cream and sugar cookies. Plus, those age 21 and over may sample a complimentary Lemon Drop Martini or Orange Bellini.

The Sweet Delilah Swim Club

Amelia Community Theatre

7:30 p.m. on August 8-9, 14-16, 21-22, and at 2 p.m. on August 10, 17, and 23.   

Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students, available at the ACT box office by calling 904-261-6749 and at the theatre website.