Review: These Comical Ladies are ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID at HOMEWOOD THEATRE

Having real friends that are with you to the end is a real blessing. I am thankful to have many in my life that are priceless. Those friendships that continue through adulthood are often more like family. The celebration of this kind of bond is what makes 'Always a Bridesmaid" work. Written by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten, this play comes off like a sitcom. Wooten was a writer for NBC's hit comedy "The Golden Girls." Some of those character elements are found in this play. It is a simple and layered comedy about four ladies who have been friends since the 7th grade. The play is a series of scenes progressing through time. Each involving shenanigans at one of the ladies weddings. These four childhood friends have vowed to stick together and to be a part of each others wedding, no matter what. The relatable attitudes and situations confronted are hilarious. Director Kyle Bass gives care to insure the witty dialogue keeps the pace going with many laughs along the way. The single set of a fancy but simple dressing parlor sets the stage for the one place where the train comes off the rails at each wedding.

The story follows the pitfalls and pickups associated with any good friendship, especially on their wedding day. The scenes play out like episodes of a sitcom where each one highlights a characters wedding. Libby Ruth (Julie Meadows) is the sensible one of the group. Libby Ruth is the most maternal of the ladies. Meadows give her a maternal delivery with a ton of comical nuances. Monette (Misty Wade) is the seemingly serial bride of the bunch. Wade gives the character a free spirited performance reminiscent of the writer's previous character Rose on The Golden Girls. Charlie (Andrea Hubbard) is the friend who keeps it real. She's prone to Birkenstocks and cargo shorts than to gowns and heels. Hubbard gives a delivery with much grit and comedy. Deedrea (Lori Edwards) is friend with the serious demeanor that seems to have it all. She has been the baseline of normalcy to all of the ladies. But all things change. Wade gives great range in carrying Deedra's evolution. Rounding out the cast is wedding planner Sedalia (Salena Stalker). She is a serious businesswoman who run her events with an iron fist, and ax if need be. Stalker gives the role a comically razor sharp edge. Kari (Autumn Brown) is a sweet and sassy young bride with lots to say at her reception. Thanks in part to a champagne flute with endless refills. Brown gives great enthusiasm and comical delivery toward making the role a show highlight.

The dialogue is witty as is the physical comedy. "Always a Bridesmaid" is a fun comedy to enjoy with good friends. On one hand, you can relate to the bond these friends share. But mainly you can lean over and tell them during moment of hilarity, "See, that's exactly what how your act sometimes!"

Always a Bridesmaid by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten

Directed by Kyle Bass

Homewood Theatre at The Dance Foundation

1715 27th Court South

Homewood, AL 35209

Tickets: $15

(ALL SOLD OUT )April 6, 7, (7:30pm) and 8th (2:30pm)

www.homewoodtheatre.com

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