“Cemetery Club” is the final word on comedy & drama at Epilogue

Ivan Menchell’s play The Cemetery Club tells about three widowed women who meet regularly at their husbands’ gravesites to reminisce about them and to chat about their lives. Their friendship is tested when they try to include Sam, a butcher who has also lost his spouse, in the group. Various jealousies and conflicts develop, and Menchell’s clever mix of humor and humanistic considerations comes forth in a surprising and truthful way.

Kelly Keller directs a wonderfully experienced cast for the Epilogue production of this comedy/drama. Valerie Nowosielski plays Ida, who seems to be the most level-headed of the trio; Lisa Warner Lowe appears as Lucille, the most restless of the group; Marie McNelis takes the role of Doris, the most devoted grave visitor; and Tom Smith plays Sam, the only male in the story – who is attracted to only one of the ladies. Epilogue newcomer Mary DeBoer adds the vivacious Mildred, whom none of the other women care for very much.

(From left) Doris (Marie McNelis), Ida (Valerie Nowosielski), Lucille (Lisa Warner Lowe), Mildred (Mary DeBoer), and Sam (Tom Smith). (Photo provided by Epilogue Players)

The show is a well-rendered blend of the sometimes touching, sometimes funny, always thoughtful script which the entire cast handles skillfully. Some big pluses are to be given for outstanding volume, diction, and understandability in the piece, and although there is some unevenness at times in pace and fluidity, most moments come off very well. The trio of women work very effectively together through a myriad of emotions and character points.

One thing I learned: there’s no easy way to turn an apartment setting into a cemetery on the Epilogue stage – but the crew tried, and repeatedly managed the process.

Bottom line: This show is full of laugh-out-loud joke lines and tear-in-the-eye moments – both of which pleased the audience greatly. Mrs. K and I really enjoyed the performances and the story.

The Cemetery Club continues at Epilogue Players’ Alabama Street playhouse through June 22. For more information about dates, times, and reservations go to EpiloguePlayers.com.

Read more great play reviews from A Seat on the Aisle at asota.wordpress.com.