Reviews

Shout 'Halleujah' at Starlight

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Preview Article by Christopher Horb
Reprinted from the Lansing City Pulse
Originally Published on May 3, 2011

The Starlight Dinner Theatre knows a good thing when they’ve got it. That’s why the troupe is closing out its sixth season with “The Hallelujah Girls”, another comedy from writers of such previous Starlight hits as “Dearly Beloved”, “Christmas Belles” and “Southern Hospitality.”

“The Hallelujah Girls” bows Friday.

The show comes from playwrights Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten and, although not a sequel to their previous works, showcases their trademark Southern sensibility.

For co-director Mark Cosgrove, the decision to stage another of the trio’s works was a no-brainer.

“They write specifically for community theater, about the types of interpersonal relationships we all have,” said Cosgrove, who shares directorial duties with Linda Granger. Granger pulls double duty, appearing onstage as well.

“The subject matter is particularly appealing because it has to do with regular folks," Cosgrove added. "People will enjoy it and identify with it.”

The titular “Hallelujah Girls” are a group of feisty fiftysomething friends who spend their Friday afternoons gathered in an abandoned church-turned-day-spa in the sleepy Georgia town of Eden Falls.

After the loss of a dear friend, the ladies find themselves reevaluating their lives and coming to the realization that the time to achieve their dreams is running out.

Cosgrove, who previously directed “ Southern Hospitality” — also with Granger — said everyone involved with the show has been having a blast putting it together.

“It’s just such a fun show and it’s amazing when everyone is a volunteer how much of their hearts and souls they put into it.”

The cast includes Jan Ross, Carol Ferris, Charlie Martin, Susan DeRosa, Janet Anderson, Rick Dethlefsen and LeAnn Dethlefsen.

The Take Note Quartet and Parts Unlimited Quarter will rotate weekends providing live entertainment during dinner.

‘The Hallelujah Girls' Starlight Dinner Theatre

Waverly East Intermediate School, 3131 W. Michigan Ave., Lansing. 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, through May 14. Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. Reservations are required for both dinner and show with prices as follows: $30 adults; $25 fseniors and students under 22; $20 children under 12 Show-only pricing: $15 adults; $10 for children under 12. (517) 243-6040.