First Baptist of Ivy Gap

First Baptist of Ivy Gap

First Baptist of Ivy Gap

First Baptist of Ivy Gap

Overview

During WWII, six women gather at the church to roll bandages and plan the church's 75th anniversary. Overseeing things is Edith, the pastor's wise-cracking wife who dispenses Red Cross smocks and witty repartee to Luby, whose son is fighting in the Pacific; Mae Ellen, the church's rebellious organist who wants to quit but hasn't the courage; Olene, who dreams of a career in Hollywood; Sammy, a shy newcomer with a secret; and Vera, an influential Baptist with a secret of her own. When Luby learns her son has been wounded, she confounds the others by blaming the vulnerable Sammy.

Twenty-five years later, our "First Baptist Six" reunite. Back to reconcile with Luby - whose son died of his wounds - is Sammy, whose own son is now in Vietnam; and Olene, whose flashy show business career will set the town on its ear. There to welcome them are Vera, her secret still safe; Mae Ellen, still rebellious and still looking for an escape; and Edith, whose biggest challenge isn't the church's upcoming centennial but revelations that shake relationships formed over a quarter of a century. With humor and pathos, these six very different women find comfort, forgiveness and redemption in each other.

The playfeatures music, in the form of hymns (played on an organ or piano) as well as other hymns and traditional music song by cast members (used to advance the story, develop character and entertain).

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Cautions

  • Caution Mild Adult Mild Adult Themes

Details

  • Genre: Faith-based
  • Time Period: 1970s, 1940s / WWII
  • Cast Attributes: All Women, Ensemble cast, Flexible cast size, Multicultural casting, Strong Role for Leading Woman (Star Vehicle), Parts for Senior Actors
  • Target Audience: Appropriate for all audiences

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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