Calendar Girls Opens Tonight

During the last few days, WLHR news has been talking about various outdoor activities going on this weekend.  However, if you prefer being indoors, or you’re looking for a little LIVE entertainment, you might want to check out the play, “Calendar Girls.”

Andrea Bradford is with Savannah River Productions.  She says Calendar Girls is based on the true story of a group of women who had been trying for years to raise money for leukemia research by producing and selling calendars.  But calendar sales had been so poor.  In fact, their last calendar, which featured pictures of churches, only raised enough money to buy a leg splint for a hamster at the local animal rescue.  So Bradford says, they decide to mix things up.

“So they decided they needed to do a better job of raising money.  And they decided to change the calendar.  Instead of spectacular views, they decided to do it as specatular views of the W.I., of the women’s group they were in.  So basically, they decided to do a nude calendar.”

Needless to say, the sexy new calendar is a resounding success. Calendar Girls is full of many laughs and some sentimental moments.

Bradford says you’ll even see some faces you probably recognize.

“The main characters are Chris and Annie.  They are best friends in the show.  They are played by Lynne Glasco and Joan Hughes.  Lynne is the director of music for Hartwell First United Methodist, and Joan works for the City of Hartwell.”

Also appearing in the shows the second weekend, Pastor Hugh Hendrickson from Lavonia First United Methodist Church. He’ll be playing the character Liam.

Shows are tonight and Saturday night at 7:30. Sunday matinee at 2:30. Additional shows will be at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 14, Saturday, October 15 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, October, 15, and 2:30 p.m.

Performances are at the new Savannah River Playhouse at 11909 Highway 17 Augusta Road in Lavonia. You can order tickets online at savannahriverproductions.org or at the box office.