Signature Theatre is staging "Silver Belles" from Nov. 22 to Dec. 24. Photo Contributed
Signature Theatre's Ark theater in Arlington is staging the world premiere musical, "Silver Belles," just in time for the holiday season — from Nov. 22 to Dec. 24.
When Oralene, the longtime director of small town Sylva Ridge’s Christmas Pageant, suddenly dies, the Silver Belles must come to the rescue. With the spirit of Oralene looking on, the sterling-hued vixens band together, discover their talents and pull out all the stops to keep the beloved pageant alive. It’s "Golden Girls" meets "Designing Women" with a helping of well-known Christmas tunes and clever new ditties.
The show by Allyson Currin, Matt Conner and Stephen Gregory Smith stars veteran leading ladies of the D.C. theater community: Donna Migliaccio, Nova Y. Payton, Ilona Dulaski, Naomi Jacobson and Peggy Yates. It is directed by Eric Schaeffer and choreographed by Karma Camp.
Migliaccio plays the role of Oralene Early, the driving force behind her town's annual Christmas charity pageant for years. "When she suddenly passes away four weeks from Christmas, she can't move on into the hereafter until she knows her husband and her 'Silver Belles' will make sure the pageant will still be produced," she said.
She said the challenge was that Oralene is onstage throughout most of the show, "So I don't get much chance to relax in my dressing room," she said. "Even when Oralene isn't speaking, she has to be engaged with the action, so I have to stay very focused."
As far as audience takeaways, she said: "'Silver Belles' is a lot of fun, but beyond the comedy and the terrific music, what makes this a great show for the holidays is the strong, loving bond between the characters and their dedication to their community."
Jacobson plays the role of Bo Jack, the town mechanic who hosts the AM-40 Radio Call-in Swap Meet. "She is a helper, willing to step in wherever she's needed, willing to fix it if she can, and listen when she can't," said Jacobson. "She's loyal, fun loving, a bit lonely but fills her life with friends."
One of the challenges, she said, was singing the harmonies with talents like Migliaccio and Payton, "and not embarrassing myself."
She hopes audiences take away that: "This is a beautiful story about carrying on a legacy of love while experiencing despair and deep sorrow. In the midst of grief, the characters make a connection with spirit and find their way to joy."
Signature Theatre's speciality nights are Discussion Nights on Dec. 6 and 7; Pride Night on Dec. 9; Open Captioned Performances on Dec. 11, at 2 p.m., and Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m.
Show times are Tuesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 and 8 p.m., and Sunday matinees at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 to $75. The venue is located at 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington. Visit the website at www.sigtheatre.org or call the box office at 703-820-9771.