At Chanticleers Theatre’s production of The Savannah Sipping Society, Steel Magnolias meets The Golden Girls. Based on the 2016 play of the same name written by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten, director Matt Cardigan-Smith’s adaptation provides a perfect blend of humor, drama and upbeat storytelling.
Set in modern-day Savannah, Georgia, the story follows the plight of struggling architect Randa Covington (played by Mimi Hamilton). Randa enjoys her weekly informal meetings with recent widow Dot Haigler (Suzanne Ochs) and recent divorcee Marlafaye Mosley (Marsha Howard) as the three sip spirits and confide in one another about the tribulations they face as middle-aged Southern women.
The four women are set on introspective journeys that explore themes of redemption, renewal and the bond of womanhood
Their impromptu sessions are upended by the arrival of the showboating hairdresser Jinx Jenkins (Paige Whitney), who quickly aspires to become a “life coach” upon meeting the trio. Now dubbed “The Savannah Sipping Society,” Jinx unofficially turns Randa, Dot and Marlafaye into her first clients as the four women are set on introspective journeys that explore themes of redemption, renewal and the bond of womanhood.
The crux of the show is undoubtedly the performances given by Hamilton, Ochs, Howard and Whitney as Randa, Dot, Marlafaye and Jinx, respectively. All four actresses display immense on-stage chemistry as well as a mastery of physical comedy.
Hamilton’s depiction of Randa features a level of optimism that brilliantly juxtaposes Dot’s innocence, Marlafaye’s cynicism and Jinx’s hidden insecurities.
Various moments throughout the show in which each character delivers a monologue to the audience during a “fourth wall break” allow each actress to effectively flesh out their respective character’s arcs. The brief, but hilarious appearance of Randa’s overbearing matriarch “Grandmother” (played by Joanne Barrett/Yvette Nichols) is an excellent indicator of the show’s tone.
“The ladies in this play choose not to look at their differences, instead focusing on what they have in common,” states Cardigan-Smith in his director’s note.
Various moments throughout the show in which each character delivers a monologue to the audience during a ‘fourth wall break’ allow each actress to effectively flesh out their respective character’s arcs
Much credit is also due to artistic director Christine Plowright and costume/scenic designer Alexandria Volk. The design of the stage to expertly match the interior of a Southern living room aids in the audience’s suspension of disbelief. The wide array of costumes which range from loungewear to clubbing outfits to renaissance attire also manage to keep up with the many escapades of the Savannah Sipping Society members.
The show’s sound design also enhances the viewing experience as sounds such as pulsing nightclub music, Cuban salsa music and ambient outdoor noise expand the confines of Chanticleers Theatre to match the audience’s imagination.
Through its wit, laughs and heartfelt moments, Chanticleers Theatre’s The Savannah Sipping Society is the perfect show for a night out this late-winter season.
Given the subject matter and language, this show is best suited for adult audiences.
Show duration: 95 minutes (not including intermission).
Chanticleers Theatre’s ‘The Savannah Sipping Society’
Feb. 20 – Mar. 8
Fri / Sat: 8pm, Sun: 2pm
Chanticleers Theatre
3683 Quail Ave., Castro Valley
