A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

Welcome Back to Ivy Gap

Full-Length Play, Comedy  /  5w, 1m

Welcome back to First Baptist of Ivy Gap. After a fire that resulted in the death of the church’s beloved pastor, the sanctuary has been renovated and a new pastor has been called. The third installment of the “First Baptist” trilogy, Welcome Back to Ivy Gap is a poignant look at colorful characters who – while being given second chances – share laughs, love and forgiveness.

Welcome Back to Ivy Gap

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    5w, 1m
  • Duration
    Duration
    120 minutes (2 hours)
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Faith-based
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Appropriate for all audiences, Adult, Senior, Pre-Teen (Age 11 - 13), Teen (Age 14 - 18)
Accolades
Accolades

Details

Summary
Welcome back to First Baptist of Ivy Gap.  After a fire that resulted in the death of the church’s beloved pastor, the sanctuary has been renovated and a new pastor has been called.  There to welcome him are Olene, a reformed Vegas stripper who fancies a star-studded career in religious music; Mae Ellen, the church’s rebellious organist who may find that love comes along when least expected; Vera, the sharp-tongued wife of the chairman of the church’s board of deacons, who covets the role of the sexpot in Neil Simon’s Last of the Red Hot Lovers; Loretta, said to be the author of trashy Southern novels, who’s determined to impose her questionable values on the church; and Edith, the former pastor’s beloved and resourceful widow, who faces a future without the things she cherishes most … her husband, her church and her friends.   Add Joseph J. Jennings – the church’s newly called pastor who’s competing with the ghost of the deceased pastor – and we have the third installment of the “First Baptist” trilogy … a poignant look at colorful characters who – while being given second chances – share laughs, love and forgiveness.
EDITH – The take-charge former first lady of the church whose life is about to change – mid-60s.
OLENE – A shapely member of the church whose “infamous” past haunts her future – late 40s.   
MAE ELLEN – The church’s organist and choir director who wants a whole lot more – early 50s.
VERA – A flamboyant, influential member who takes no prisoners – mid-60s.
LORETTA – A new member of the church who’d like to be someone she’s not – early 50s.
JOSEPH J. JENNINGS – The church’s new pastor who’s trying to replace a legend – late 40s.
  • Time Period Contemporary, Present Day, New Millennium/21st Century
  • Features Contemporary Costumes / Street Clothes
  • Duration 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Cautions
    • No Special Cautions

Media

"Mostly funny but oftentimes downright touching,... Although the play is 'Welcome Back to Ivy Gap,' please know that having been there previously is no requirement for enjoying this hilarious but warm play." - Bristol Herald Courier

"Welcome Back to Ivy Gap is a charming and whimsical little comedy that follows up playwright Ron Osborne’s First Baptist of Ivy Gap and Showtime at Ivy Gap. This latest installment is at least as much fun as its predecessors and every bit as funny...Welcome Back to Ivy Gap is full of laughs and good country charm, and provides a quaint and cozy evening of entertainment for the whole family." - SWVA Today 

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: $110 per performance

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Authors

Ron Osborne

Ron Osborne's plays - including the six full-length plays published by Samuel French - have been produced by hundreds of theatres throughout the U.S. and Canada as well as recognized in more than 90 national playwriting competitions. A number of monoloques from his plays appe ...
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