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Theater Review
The Octette Bridge Club

New Smyrna Beach - Jan. 11, 2002 : The Octette Bridge Club opens to sold out crowds

The Octette Bridge Club opened on January 11, 2002 at the Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach and promptly sold out all shows. It was a hit from the start and featured a talented cast and crew directed by veteran actor, Lawrence Benjamin.

The play took a sentimental look at American life in 1934. It told the story of eight sisters who meet on alternate Friday evenings to play bridge and gossip. Each sister's relationship with the others was the backdrop for the story that delighted Octette's audiences and made for many laughs and tears, sometimes simultaneously. Act II of the play took place 10 years later during a Halloween bridge party where each sister acts out the persona of the costume she wears.

This play unveils each sister's uniqueness from the emotionally distraught Betsy, the youngest, played by Brianne Higgins, who knows she must cut the bonds to her smothering family and strike out on her own, to the oldest domineering sister, Martha, played by Jane Taylor.

Other sisters include Pauline Rodick playing Mary. Ann Knadle is Nora. Harriet Winokur is Connie. Janie Hale is Alice. Carol Cole is Ann and Pat Voitel is Lil.

Nathan Knight portrays Foster, the photographer, and is Octette's only male role.

Benjamin, making his directorial debut with this production, honed the relationships of his actors to perfection. Hal Linn was the stage manager; Jerry Orzel, production coordinator, and Diane Christian was the assistant Stage Manager.

Bill Cook provided live piano music. Bill Roehrborn is the technical director. Mary Monnier was set decorator.

Camille Dickinson was in charge of props, assisted by Anne Dorfler. Rose Dingas had costumes and Greg Harris, lights and sound. Karin Jenkins was in charge of make-up.

Performances were Jan. 11, Jan. 12, 18 & 19 at 8 p.m., with Sunday matinees on Jan. 13 & 20 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices were $11 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for those 18 and under. All shows were sold out.

Copyright © 2002 the Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach, Inc.