Calendar Girls Opens April 22

Based on the true story of eleven WI members who posed nude for a calendar to raise money for the Leukemia Research Fund, the play is both humorous and moving. The ladies were all between 45 and 65 and the nudity was concealed by props centering on activities the ladies enjoyed such as gardening, painting, knitting, baking, etc.

This production is directed by Steve Johnson of Redlands and stars Annette Tringham, Genna Santini, Nicole Trugler, Beverly Crowe, Kat Grossman and Harriet Briant, as the six featured WI ladies.

The story: 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. In pursuit of that goal, they manage to persuade four fellow Women’s Institute (Club) members to pose nude with them for an "alternative" calendar to the Club's annual published one. 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.

All performances are held at the Beaumont Womens Community Center, 306 E Sixth St. in Beaumont. On Friday April 22, there is a special opening night gala featuring "cheesecake and tarts" with coffee for only $20. All other performances are$15 and run April 23, 30, May 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. Matinees will be April 24, May 1 and 8 at 3:00 p.m. For more information and reservations visit www.castplayers.org or call 951-315-4253.