Photo Flash: The Granite Theatre of Westerly presents CALENDAR GIRLS

The Granite Theatre of Westerly, announces the opening of Tim Firth's delightful comedy "Calendar Girls" is the true and "revealing story" of a women's group in England who decided to drop everything to raise money for a new settee for the hospital waiting room in honor of one's husband who died of leukemia. The news of the "alternative calendar" charitable venture spread like wildfire and ultimately raised over a million dollars. Alternately dazzlingly funny and shamelessly sentimental this delightful play tells the story of their journey. The show opens Friday June 30, 2017 and runs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm through July 30, 2017. Producer/ Artistic Director for the theatre is David Jepson.

"Calendar Girls" is directed by David Jepson (Westerly, RI). The cast features Veronica Strickland (Waterford, CT), Beth Jepson (Westerly, RI), Darla Allen (Waterford, CT), Maureen Noel (Barrington, RI), Christine Reynolds (Gales Ferry, CT), Michelle Mania (Charlestown, RI), Linda Shea (Pawcatuck, CT), David Jepson (Westerly, RI), Fergus Milton (Westerly, RI), William Pereira (Mystic, CT), Mandy Solis (Westerly, RI), Courtney Littlefield (Groton, CT) and Tom Steenburg (Mystic, CT).

When Annie's husband John dies of leukemia, she and best friend Chris resolve to raise money for a new settee in the local hospital waiting room. They manage to persuade four fellow Women's Institute members to pose nude with them for an "alternative" calendar, with a little help from hospital porter and amateur photographer Lawrence. The news of the women's charitable venture spreads like wildfire, and hordes of press soon descend on the small village of Knapeley in the Yorkshire Dales. The calendar is a success, but Chris and Annie's friendship is put to the test under the strain of their new-found fame. Based on the true story of eleven WI members who posed nude for a calendar to raise money for the Leukemia Research Fund, CALENDAR GIRLS opened at the Chichester Festival Theatre and has since become the fastest selling play in British theatre history. "Calendar Girls, makes you laugh, makes you cry, and leaves you feeling better about life than you did when you entered the theatre." - The Telegraph. "Smash-hit show...hilarious yet touching play." Informed EDINBURGH.co.uk.

Patrons may enjoy a selection of wines, beers and soft drinks from the theatre's cash bar at all performances in the comfortable, spacious lobby of the beautifully refurbished, historic theatre. Opening nights of each new production feature an opportunity to share "Pizza with the Cast" and mixer of patrons and performers.

"Calendar Girls" opens June 30, 2017 at The Granite. Performances are Thursday through Saturday Evenings at 8 pm and Sunday Matinees at 2 pm. Tickets for this show are $20, 62 and older is $17 and children (12 and under) are $12. Reservations are also being taken for the outrageous comedy "One Man, Two Guvnors" by Richard Bean which opens August 4, 2017. Reservations are available by calling the box office at 401-596-2341 or online at our website www.granitetheatre.com.

Gift certificates are available year-round and reservations for the entire season are available anytime. For reservations, directions or other information, call the Box Office at 401-596-2341. You can also visit our website for information or to order tickets online www.granitetheatre.com.

Front Beth Jepson, Maureen Noel Back L to R: Michelle Mania, Christine Reynolds, Veronica Strickland, Darla Allen
In chair - Maureen Noel Back L to R: Darla Allen, Beth Jepson, Veronica Strickland, Christine Reynolds, Michelle Mania
Michelle Mania & Linda Shea
L to R: Darla Allen, Christine Reynolds, Beth Jepson, Veronica Strickland, Michelle Mania, Maureen Noel