Edom Civic Theaters first production of 2007
by Sibyl Creasey

Reservations are still available for Edom Civic Theatre's "Five Tellers Dancing in the Rain," the first production of the 2007 season of "Conflicts, Couples and Critics." The two-act comedy written by Mark Dunn and directed by Lois Arneson of Edom will be presented on Friday and Saturday, February 23 and 24, at 7 p.m. in the Edom Community Center.

Set in the break room of a small bank in northern Mississippi on six consecutive weekday mornings, this twoact comedy eavesdrops on the lives of Jennifer, Delores, Twyla, Betina and Lorene. These are women who have for too long defined themselves in terms of their relationships with men. With southern sass, tears and charm, the five tellers speak their minds and open their hearts to one another as they learn that there are many kinds of love and that strength and self-respect can only come from within.

The cast of "Five Tellers" includes Marty Wetherhold of Canton as Delores, Linda Ayers of Edom as Lorene, Lahri Gentry of Canton as Jennifer, Mary Ann Garrett of Chandler as Betina, Linda Parker of Chandler as Twyla, and Sherry Gasper of Edom as the charwoman.

Mary Ann Garrett is a charter member of ECT and has appeared in many plays since her debut as a French maid in "Dirty Work at the Crossroads. " She has won several Edey awards for her work, most recently best supporting actress for her role of " little sis" in "Aaron Slick from Punkin Crick." She won the best actress Edey award for "Dear Mrs. Martin" several years ago, among other awards.

Linda Parker first made her appearance on the ECT stage as Purity in "Pure as the Driven Snow." She has appeared in several productions since then, including "Sanders Family Christmas," "Guess Who's Coming to Lunch," "Steel Magnolias" and "Aaron Slick." She is also active in the Tyler Civic Theatre.

Sherry Gasper has a minor role in "Five Tellers Dancing in the Rain." A charter member of the group, she has made many appearances on the ECT stage, winning several Edey awards, including two for best actress, since her debut in "Dirty Work at the Crossroads " in 1996.

Lahri Gentry is rapidly becoming a regular with ECT, making her debut with the group last year in "Guess Who's Coming to Lunch." Both Marti Wetherhold and Linda Ayers will be making their debut appearances in "Tellers."

Carole Davis of Edom is assistant director for this production and Mike Mattox of Van is technical manager. Max Scott of Edom will be in charge of refreshments.

Reservations are required and can be obtained by calling house manager Polly Martin of Chandler at 903-852- 6803.