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Prison Comedy Kicks Off New Year In Stamford

STAMFORD, Conn. -- A comedy that centers on the women in a white collar prison opens soon in Stamford.

"The DelVal Divas" opens Jan. 12 at the Dressing Room Theatre at Sterling Farms in Stamford.

"The DelVal Divas" opens Jan. 12 at the Dressing Room Theatre at Sterling Farms in Stamford.

Photo Credit: Contributed

"The DelVal Divas"  will run Jan. 12  to 29 at the Dressing Room Theatre at Sterling Farms.

Not only are Stella Wild, Rosemary Adams, and Linda Robertson, M.D. educated, successful, professional women. They successful, professional women, they also share the same address: Delaware Valley (DelVal) Federal Correctional Facility, a low-level security prison for white and "pink" collar criminals. 

"I found this script while researching shows with great roles for women," said Curtain Call executive director, Lou Ursone. 

"Also, I usually look for something light for after the holidays, so this seemed to fit perfectly, he added."

Last January, the company produced the comedy, "Calendar Girls."

 "These 'divas' have the warden in one pocket and their cell block guard in another, and continue to indulge their lavish and luxurious lifestyles until one of them is prematurely released and a murderess moves into her place," he added, telling a bit more of the story.

The cast includes Brent McKinley and Rachel Schulte, of Stamford, Amy Wade, of Darien, Kate Telfer, of Greenwich, Ann Alford, of Norwalk, Miran Roberts of Mamaroneck, N.Y. 

Directing is Gail Yudain, of Stamford. Production design is by Peter Barbieri, Jr, of Fairfield, with costumes by Terry Hanson, of White Plains, N.Y.

“I began to write "The Delval Divas" in 2000 and, thinking back, it’s almost like I had a crystal ball into the future,” said playwright Barbara Pease Weber.

 “Since I was, at the time, an actor in my 40s, I decided that I wanted to try to write a comedy involving strong, educated and bright middle-aged women. I considered an office setting then decided it would be boring. Thought about a gym setting. Nah, boring. Then I asked myself, 'Where would a group of well educated, successful and intelligent women find themselves together?' A-ha. In the slammer for their various and sundry corporate misdeeds. Hence, Delval Divas was born in my head.”

Yudain has been working with this cast since early November while she herself was appearing on stage in "Glengarry Glen Ross" and rehearsing for her December performances in "A Merry Mulberry Street Musical."

 "I knew she was going to be extra busy, but her work with the women of Calendar Girls last winter was so terrific, I had to ask her to take on this show," Ursone said.

Performances are Thursday to Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. at the tehater, 1349 Newfield Ave., Stamford.

Tickets ($32/adults; $25/seniors; $16/kids) are available by calling 203-461-6358 ext 36, or at www.curtaincallinc.com

Curtain Call is the non-profit community-based theater company in residence.

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