Victoria Henley Allow me to catch you up to date on the progress of Sister Queens at the Olive Theatre in Donalsonville. In January, I nervously held an audition for nervous auditioners. Even though herds of people didn't show up, there were just enough to fill the seventeen roles that were available. We started practicing about two weeks after the third audition, and had the best full cast run through that I have ever been a part of. Though it was hard to get the full cast together all at once, we continued to have consistent rehearsals.

I can definitely say that I have a variety of people in the cast; everyone from a seventy year old preacher (who happens to be playing a crooked jewel dealer) to a ten year old drama queen to a yodeling Gothic rocker! As both an actress and a director, I felt that it was imperative to have a great variety of actors (not to mention accents) to keep the audience's interest, which is extremely important in the theatre world.

There were still a few slots in Sister Queens that needed to be filled, so I began considering everyone from our local butcher to an air conditioning man for the role of Officer Tom, the heroic policeman. (The butcher landed the role!)

When all of the parts had been cast, I arranged for the promotional pictures to be made, and they were absolutely hilarious! The two leading boys dressed queens were especially hilarious. Sister Queens photos can be viewed at Facebook. com, then search the group Sister Queens at the Olive Theatre.

The cast continued to emerge themselves into their characters, and now, they've begun to add their own spoofy antics to make the roles that they are playing more interesting.

Of course, I have continued advertising for the musical by writing articles, posting signs, and my mother (who is also the producer of the show) has been avidly contacting church and bus groups. Sister Queens has truly given me a life lesson about all aspects of showbiz... writing, casting, directing, costuming, advertising...whew!

No one ever said directing was an easy process, but it has been rewarding! Be sure to mark Sister Queens on you calendar for April 23-26 and May 2-3. Tickets are now available! Call (229) 524- 8209 or (229) 758-5322 for more information. You'll never look at beauty pageants the same way after you see this show!