By Josie Sellers Beacon Editor

The Footlight Players production of“ Calendar Girls” will take you through a heartwarming and funny story of life and friendships.

“ I chose the play because it really spoke to me,” said Jackie McCune, who is directing“ Calendar Girls” with Ellen Hardesty.“ The main character’ s husband passes away from cancer, but it brings out the positive in people with them wanting to raise money to help others.”

According to a Footlight Players flyer,“ After the death of her best friend’ s husband from cancer, a spirited Yorkshire housewife hatches a scheme to raise money for a memorial to him. Utilizing a tradition from the hidebound Woman’ s Institute association, Chris encourages Annie and their friends to create a calendar by using the middle-aged women of their village as nude models. The idea stuns the husbands and young photographer.”“ It’ s a comedy, but there also are touching and

sincere moments,” Hardesty said.

Melody Lowe plays the main character Annie, who loses her husband. The cast also includes Kathy Huffman, Patti Fischer, Jennifer Wilkes, Eva Moon, Stacey Ganz, Lana Lawson, Sarah Fornara, Nick Fischer, Quinn Wherley and Ryan Teti. Producer is Lynn Haines, and the stage manager is Helen Scholfield.

McCune and Hardesty both agreed they have a great group of women in the play.

“ They have really good chemistry, and we are having a good time,” Hardesty said.

This is Lowe’ s first time to have a speaking part in a play.

“ I was intrigued by the play,” Lowe said.“ I’ ve worked with Ellen and Jackie before and always wanted to try acting. You are never too old to try something new.”

This is Moon’ s first time on the stage in more than 15 years.

“ I work 60 hours a week and wanted to do something for myself,” she said.“ I watched it on YouTube

Josie Sellers

The Footlight Players production of“ Calendar Girls” will take you through a heartwarming and funny story of life and friendships. Pictured in front is Quinn Wherley. Behind him are Kathy Huffman, Stacey Ganz, Melody Lowe, Jennifer Wilkes, Eva Moon and Patti Fischer.

and thought it looked like fun, and I needed more fun in my life.”

Moon portrays Celia, who she described as classy but a bit sarcastic.

“ It’ s been a blast being in this,” Moon said.“ I like seeing how it comes together, how the others get to know their character and how I get to know Celia.”

Huffman plays Lowe’ s best friend in the play.

“ She is not afraid to say what is on her mind,” Huffman said.“ Her whole entire life she’ s had to be

the center of attention. She loves her best friend though and would do anything for her.”

Like Lowe, Huffman is enjoying working with her cast mates at the theater.

“ This is my getaway from life,” Huffman said.“ Everyone is so different, but our differences are all accepted.”

Production dates for the play are Friday and Saturday, May 9-10 at 7:30 p. m.; Sunday, May 11 at 2:30 p. m.; Friday and Saturday, May 16-17 at 7:30 p. m.; and Sunday, May 18 at 2:30 p. m. at the Triple Locks Theater, 685 N. Whitewoman St., Coshocton. For tickets visit www. footlightplayers. com.

“ You are going to experience all the feels with this play,” Huffman said.“ You are going to laugh and have your heart strings tugged at.”