BTCPA closes season with ‘The Red Velvet Cake War’
RED BAY — The Bay Tree Council for the Performing Arts will close its season with a production of “The Red Velvet Cake War,” a comedy by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten.
Scotty Kennedy will be directing.
Remaining performances are Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m. with a matinee Sunday at 2 p.m.
Tickets are available at the Weatherford Centre in Red Bay on weekdays from 2 to 4 p.m. Tickets are $10. Reservations can be made by calling 256998-6781.
Set in the small town of Sweetgum, the play follows the three Verdeen cousins as they attempt to host a family reunion amid a cascade of personal chaos.
Adrienne Pearson, who plays Peaches Verdeen Belrose, is one of the three cousins at the center of the story.
“I’ve been telling folks I’m an aspiring widow because apparently my husband’s been missing for a long time, and I’m trying to decide if I need to declare him dead.”
Her role is part of a trio whose relationships drive much of the action and humor in the play.
“You can tell that the characters were written to be close and to get into having fun antics together,” she said.
Jeri Mayo, who plays Gaynelle Verdeen Bodeen, described the show as one of the group’s most comedic productions.
“It’s hilarious. I think it’s probably the funniest one we’ve done,” Mayo said.
She said audience reaction is central to the experience of performing.
“I like making people laugh. That’s what I hope people get out of it,” she said. “I hope they forget the world for a little while and just have fun.”
Mayo also pointed to the show’s accessibility for the community.
“You’re not going to find $10 worth of entertainment just anywhere,” she said.
Paul Williams, who plays Uncle Aubrey Verdeen, brings another comedic perspective to the stage.
“I’m playing Uncle Aubrey. I’m 89, looking toward my 90th birthday,” Williams said. “I’m kind of a pill … I’m always cracking jokes about everything.”
He said the mix of ages among the cast contributes to the overall dynamic of the production.
“The cast is great,” Williams said. “We’ve got all ages, and everybody brings something different to the show.”
Williams said the performance offers audiences a chance to step away from daily stress.
“There’s a lot going on in the world, and this gives people a chance to set that aside for a while,” he said. “You can just enjoy yourself.”
Other cast members include Sharon Strickland as Lee Lee Windham, Brittany Faris as LaMerle Verdeen Minshew, Lisa Massey as Jimmie Wyvette Verdeen, Adrienne Pearson as Peaches Verdeen Belrose, Chris Perea as Newt Blaylock, Carol Woodward as Betsy Hargis, Zephra Rogers as Elsa Dowdall and Dominic Rogers as Purvis Verdeen.
