Welcome to Baxter Springs! A quiet midwestern town filled with ill-mannered, sex-starved, tobacco-chawin cowboys and of course, the house of ill-repute, ‘Jenny’s House of Joy’. Norm Foster sets this comedy in the 1870’s and his flinty one-liners punctuate robust dialogue that builds in impact to create human beings that live as best they can in a world where women haven’t the options they have today. Foster calls this play a western, not a comedy, and indeed there are plenty of references to a world of love-starved cowpokes, ready-cocked guns and women who live by their wits.
The Borelians conclude their 2023/2024 season with the hilarious and vulnerable ‘Jenny’s House of Joy’. An all-female ensemble full of wit, friendship, female power and plenty of cheeky remarks.
Before the play is through, you feel you know these likeable women. “The gals” reveal layers of tough and disturbing truth, truth that makes them far more vulnerable than any hard-hearted cliches. You long for them to fulfil the hopes and dreams that drive them on in their quest for love.
Meet the gals!
v Elegant, steely-eyed Jenny, the young madam, runs her house with a firm but loving hand, and is clearly the head of this unlikely family… played by Vannetta Tustian
v Smart-mouthed, tough-talking Frances, is hiding from real intimacy because she learned long ago that sex has little to do with love — well, at least for her… played by Joanne Norman
v Genteel little vulnerable, warm-hearted Anita, is searching for the man who will love her for something more than her willing body… played by Ari Todd
v Butter-wouldn’t-melt-in-her-mouth Natalie is a believable good girl, ready to turn tough when the chips are finally down. She projects a guarded sweetness that defines what it means to be inherently innocent, yet able to dish it out when life deals her a double punch… played by Lane Haugen
v Clara is the weary wife of an old cowboy that has been calling — determined to be the sole source of his comfort… played by Ruth Smith
On stage at Town Hall 1873, “Jenny’s House of Joy” can be seen on February 9th, 10th, 16th and 17th with matinees on Saturday afternoons. Tickets are $25/ each. Special rates for groups of 6 or more are available.
