Red Barn Theatre presents 'Charitable Sisterhood'

Editor's Note: This story was updated Aug. 7, 2023, to correct a last name and the admission price.

FRANKLIN TWP. ― On Friday, "The Charitable Sisterhood of the Second Trinity Church" opens at the Red Barn Theatre. Just reading the titles makes people smile, so you know it’s going to be funny.

Director Patrick Erkman said it is funny, but it is more than just a comedy.

"It is a dramedy, a drama/comedy, with major unexpected twists and a surprising message. If you liked 'Steel Magnolias' you will like this play," he said.

From the book by Bo Wilson, it is the story of five indomitable members of the Sisterhood who meet to fulfill their mission to help Guatemalans who lost their homes and possessions in a flood. The Sisterhood is having its own flooding problems with bridges washed out and roads flooded, but it doesn't keep five women from fulfilling their sworn mission.

The five women who brave the elements are a mish-mash of personalities, conflicts and motivations.

"It's an all-woman cast. I like to do new shows and shows that give women the opportunity to perform because I think men get more opportunities to be on stage," Erkman said.

The cast is RoAnn Romeo as Tina, Tammy Erkman as Lorraine, Lauranne Ferrara as Janet, Cierra Vandevort as Riley, and Cindy West as Bea. Also in the cast is David Randolph as the radio announcer and Pete Kucan and Jack Brown sharing the role of Deputy Jimmy Shorter.

Veteran actor West of Bellevue, who was in "Steel Magnolias" at the Red Barn in 2016, agreed this production compares with "Steel Magnolias." Tammy Erkman and her daughter Cierra Vandevort were also in the cast.

"It is very funny and it has a serious side. Our goal is to make you laugh and cry. If we do our job right that will happen," West said.

She said the sisterhood extends to the women in the cast, who have worked together before.

"We have a chemistry, a respect for each other and a camaraderie. We love working together," West said.

She said she likes working for Erkman because he is attentive to detail, is thoughtful and listens to his actors.

When West's children were in theater she got involved in helping backstage.

"Being there with them I got more interested and decided to try acting to help me get past being an introvert," she said.

Recently, West appeared in "Arsenic & Old Lace" at the New Castle Playhouse.

Erkman said it is a wonderful cast to work with bringing depth to their parts.

"This show highlights relationships. There are some sensitive subjects and we deal with them tastefully. Most importantly this show has a message," he said.

What: "The Charitable Sisterhood of the Second Trinity Victory Church"

Where: Red Barn Theatre, 1279 Route 288, Franklin Township

When: 8 p.m. Aug. 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26

Admission: $16

Reservations: http://www.RedBarnPlayers.com

Customer Service: 724-452-8082