A tender, moving play about a pioneer woman and her daughters, “Quilters, the Musical” skillfully blends a series of interrelated scenes into a memorable musical. Each scene is introduced by a quilt square or “block” symbolic of life’s passages. During each “block,” the actresses transforms into many different characters whose stories depict the lot of women on the prairie. Combining music, dance and drama, “Quilters” captures both the harsh challenges and the abiding rewards of frontier life with vivid dramatic intensity.
The first of six performances was previously presented in October at the Library at the College of St. Joseph in Rutland. The final performance on April 7, 2018 will return there to compliment the Maple Leaf Quilters’ Spring Quilt Show. In all, there will be four more opportunities to see the show so mark your calendars.
Coming up this Saturday, Jan. 20, 7 p.m., the show will come to the Champlain Valley Unitarian Universalist Society, 2 Duane Court, in Middlebury. Before and after the show, look for quilts on display by Addison County’s Milk and Honey Quilters Guild members. Three performances follow on Feb. 10, 3 p.m., at the Fellowship Hall, 143 Church St., in Dorset, March 10, 4 p.m. at the Brandon Inn, 20 Park St., and April 7, 7 p.m. at the College of St. Joseph Library in Rutland.
This play is presented by a consortium of Rutland Area women who have been involved in all aspects of local school and/or community theater for decades. Director Jennifer Bagley and Music Director Rita Lane have assembled a cast of talented actresses with beautiful voices including: Marsha Cassel, Melissa Chesnut-Tangerman, Julia Doiron, Mikki Lane, Maureen Sullivan and Tegan Waite.
“Quilters” is a play that has long been a passion of these women, not only because some are quilters themselves, but because it tells the universal story of the struggle of pioneer women on the frontier. And, although women may no longer be on the frontier, many still face daily challenges of poverty, abuse and discrimination. Help us come together to create a quilt of compassion to warm today’s needy families. All profits will be donated to the Rutland County Women’s Network & Shelter (now renamed the New Story Center).
Admission to all the performances will be by free will offering.
— Submitted by Molly Newman and Barbara Damashek