Valley Players introduce 'The Women' at the American Legion Hall

NAPA — The Valley Players present Clare Boothe Luce's comedy of wit, scandal and sharp-tongued satire, "The Women," in Napa. The plot centers on contented, kindly Mary Haines, a well-off woman living in New York City, who is the envy of her friends, boasting a wholesome, happy marriage, adorable children and a comfortable home. Unfortunately, she is living in a fool’s paradise, which her tactless friend, the gossip-hungry Sylvia Fowler, discovers when a favored manicurist spills the beans.

Mary’s husband, Stephen Haines, has been nabbed by Crystal Allen, a sultry, gold-digging man-eater who sets her traps behind the perfume counter at Saks Fifth Avenue. Sylvia arranges, in humiliating fashion, for Mary to hear the tale from that same manicurist. Mary’s painful dilemma is created: keep silent, keep her marriage and condone her husband’s cheating ways or divorce him, making way for her rival to step into her place.



Performances are weekends through April 20 at the American Legion Hall. It's co-directed by Valley Players’ production designer, Rhonda Bowen, and artistic director, June Alane Reif. The cast includes Sarah Beth Abernathy, Debbie Baumann, Lynda Hyland Burris, Janet Duhé, Bridget Folan, Bonnie Gamble, Courtney Harris, Lauren Kelley, Cora Lesti, Stacey Loew, Mellene Miller, Robyn Myers, Esmé Nicolson-Singh, Megan Palagi, Cata Parkhurst, Kathleen Puntillo, Dorothea Rastegar, Jennifer Rastegar, Audrey Schultz, and Paige Whitney.

"With its razor-sharp dialogue and vibrant characters, 'The Women' is both a scathing critique of superficial socialites and an honest, heartfelt exploration of friendship, betrayal, and resilience," said a press release. "Packed with humor and biting commentary, this production promises an evening of laughter and lively entertainment." Performances are 7 p.

m. Fridays and Saturdays and 4 p.m.

Sundays at 1240 Pearl St. Purchase advance tickets at valley-players.com/events or call the box office at 707-948-6273.

Palagi will perform April 18-20. Abernathy will perform April 11-13..