The madcap comedy "Southern Hospitality" - the third part of a trilogy written by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Woolen - is the latest presentation in Jefferson City by Capital City Players.
This is the tale of the zany Futrelle sisters who live in the tiny Texas town of Fayro, which is suffering from the closing of Super SmartMart and the rendering plant.
The plot revolves around the sisters' efforts to save the town by bringing a salsa plant to the area. They do this with grand celebrations such as a pet costume parade with dead pets and a Civil War battle re-enactment with five participants.
The 13-member cast is directed by Joni Weinbaum who also plays one of the sisters, Honey Raye.
The other sisters are played by Laura Morris as Twink, Rhonda Linn played by Melle Richardson and Franki played by Shellie Howser.
Weinbaum noted there are six new faces to the Capital City Players stage in this show. Some have performed with other local groups but this is their debut with the Players.
Helping Weinbaum as assistant director is Jenni Jones. This is the first time she has worked in this position. Weinbaum said she is very valuable in taking takes notes for Weinbaum, especially when Weinbaum has to be on stage in her character.
The second show of the trilogy, "Christmas Bells," was performed several years ago by Capital City Players with Weinbaum again as director and actor.
"Being director and actor is not bad. Jones takes my part on stage at times so I can sit back and watch the action," Weinbaum said. "This makes it so much easier to handle both parts."
Weinbaum said she tried to inject some music into the show to help audiences enjoy it more. She is using simple tracks to make it easier.
The technical aspects in the show are basic and present no problems.
"I urge people to come for the 1950s antics and mayhem in this Texas farce. Join us for a night of comedy with the Futrelle sisters," Weinbaum said.
Evening performances are Feb. 20-21 and March 5-7 with dinner at 6:30 p.m. and performances at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees are on Feb. 22 and March 8, with dinner at 12:30 p.m. and performances at 1:30 p.m.
Call 573-681-9012 for tickets, or check capitalcityplayers.com