The Springfield Civic Theater will bring the southern-fried humor back to the John Legend Theater at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 14, and Saturday, April 15, and a matinee performance at 2 p.m. on April 14.
» READ MORE: Acclaimed Brazilian quartet to bring new sounds to Yellow Springs
The Sweetgum, Texas high school building is about to be demolished, but not before the Verdeen cousins – Gaynelle, Peaches and Jimmie Wyvette – can plan the biggest school reunion ever.
Given the ladies’ messy personal lives, bringing in more than 70 years of graduates and guacamole queens – the Sweetgum equivalent of homecoming queen vying for one final title – Texas may be ready for a man-made twister.
The Legend Theater may also want to install seat belts.
“There are just so many things in this one, just a continuous stream of fun idiocy,” director Kathleen Day said. “It’s been a successful trilogy and has me wondering what we’ll do next year.”
» READ MORE: North High School grad returns to Springfield for newest film’s release
When Civic Theater member Nancy Mahoney wanted to do “Rex’s Exes” a few years ago, she had no idea it was the middle part of a trilogy. The members are glad they reconsidered doing all three.
While the cast of 13 became extended Verdeen family members for the better part of three years, local audiences have adopted them as well.
People were asking right after “Rex’s Exes” when they could expect “Guacamole Queens.” People from Clark State have been asking Day, as have people in Mahoney’s zumba class, church members and Springfield High staff.
Even audiences who attended Springfield Civic’s February performances of “9 to 5: The Musical” were ready for more.
Part is the appeal is the characters, such as 90-year-old Uncle Aubrey, who sports racy boxer shorts and romances the ladies like when he roamed the halls of the high school.
» READ MORE: Cat reunited with owner 14 years after hurricane disappearance
Mahoney said “Rex’s Exes” audiences became so attached to the character some almost cried during intermission when they feared Uncle Aubrey had passed away.
The chaos of the things in the show bring a calming effect on Day, who is juggling work and grad school.
She credits the cast.
“They’re funny. These people are really sharp,” Day said. “It has been a joyful thing for me, such a nice period of calm fun.”
WANT TO GO?
What: "Last Round-up of the Guacamole Queens"
Where: John Legend Theater at The Dome, 700 S. Limestone St., Springfield
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 13 and Saturday, April 14; 2 p.m. April 14
Admission: $10-12
More info: http://springfieldcivictheatre.org/events/list/
About the Author