The Edge Ensemble Theatre Company Presents: "Calendar Girls" by Tim Firth

In its final show of the 2024 season, The Edge Ensemble Theatre Company will present "Calendar Girls" by Tim Firth at The Edge Theater, 310 Marlboro St., Suite 112, Keene. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23, and at 2:00 p.m. on Nov. 17 and 24. "Calendar Girls" is based on true life events in Yorkshire, England. In 1998, John Baker passed away at age 54. His wife and fellow Women's Institute (WI) members decided to raise money for a new sofa on the ward where John had been treated. They came up with the idea of a nude calendar as a playful twist on traditional WI calendars, which typically involved hills, sheep and village greens. The calendar was a huge success. A film adaptation of the story was made in 2003 with Helen Mirren and Julie Walters in the cast. In 2009, it was adapted into a hit stage play, and later a musical. The play, while very funny, is also quite poignant and illustrates the oft-neglected beauty of the aging female body apropos modern society's obsession with body perfection. In conjunction with the play, The Edge will also be producing a "discreetly nude" calendar of its own as a fundraiser. Six Edge actresses from our upcoming production have posed for the calendar, representing the characters they portray in the play. The Edge Calendar is available now for $20 and may be ordered by contacting theedgeensemble@aol.com. Kim Dupuis will direct a cast of 14, comprising Molly McMillan, Lindsay Bartlett, Veda Crewe, Catherine Behrens, Carin Torp, Jennifer Garrettson, Melanie Plenda-Washer, Rob Gray, Andrew Bosworth, Scott Rodenhauser, Mary Armstrong, Judy Keenan, Nico McMillan and Roberta Barnes. Zarya Washer will be stage managing for the first time with The Edge. Tickets are $20 general admission, $18 for seniors and students. Tickets must be purchased at the door by cash or check. No credit cards at this time. For reservations, call 603-352-5657 or send an email to theedgeensemble@aol.com. Visit The Edge's website at www.edgeensemble.org for more information about The Edge Ensemble Theatre Company.