Whidbey Playhouse returns to the stage this month with The Savannah Sipping Society, by Jones, Hope, and Wooton a production that invites audiences to laugh, cry and experience the beauty of friendship in a unique, intimate way.
Running through Sept. 29, the story follows three Southern women who meet by chance at a hot yoga class, only to abandon it halfway through.
“This show is about more than just laughs,” says director Sarah Gallella. “It’s about the connections we form, often unexpectedly, and how they push us to become the best versions of ourselves.”
Drawn together by their dissatisfaction with life, the women form an unlikely bond that’s soon strengthened when a fourth woman, a stranger, is invited to join them. Together, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, supporting each other through life’s ups and downs.
Drawn together by their dissatisfaction with life, these women form an unlikely bond. Photo courtesy of Whidbey Arts.
“At one of our script readings, the characters and what they said stuck with me,” Gallella shares.
“It felt so real, and I found myself relating to them – so did my friends. That’s when I knew I had to share this story.”
Gallella says the process of selecting The Savannah Sipping Society was no accident.
She describes the show as “very conversational, dialogue-driven, with no political agenda, just the pure, heartfelt dynamics of friendship.”
The characters, with their wit and depth, struck a chord with her and, she believes, will resonate with audiences as well.
A play that pushes boundaries
One of the key moments in the play involves the characters daring each other to take risks – one of which leads to a comical yet touching salsa dance scene, where a character faints and must be revived by mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. “It’s those kinds of interactions that elevate the friendship to another level,” Gallella says. “There’s real vulnerability, real care.”
Whidbey Playhouses’ production promises to bring all these elements to life, with Gallella emphasizing the importance of creating a space for both comedy and emotional depth.
“I love telling stories in a way that’s entertaining but also meaningful. There’s a lot of thought that goes into how the actors portray their characters, the backstories we build together, and how we weave it all into a live performance,” she explains, noting that beyond herself and the actors, a team of stage managers, set and costume designers and others help bring it all to life on stage.
One of the key moments in the play involves the characters daring each other to take risks. Photo courtesy of Whidbey Arts.
“I buy a notebook for each production,” she shares, laughing. “I go through all the official things that need to happen and track every part of the process.
“A quarter of my ideas have already been thrown away, but we’re left with the beautiful parts.”
A show for all ages
While the play is a comedic take on middle-aged women navigating life’s challenges, Gallella is quick to note that its themes are broader than they first appear.
“There’s brief nudity – undergarments shown – but this show appeals to all kinds of people. It’s about human connection and empathy, the things that bind us together, no matter our age.”
The Savannah Sipping Society will run on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and available through whidbeyplayhouse.com.
