At its core, friendship isn’t something you plan for. It doesn’t grow out of carefully set goals or intentions. More often, it shows up when we least expect it. Some small, simple circumstance brings people together, and before you know it, it carries you further than you ever imagined. The four women in The Savannah Sipping Society find one another almost by accident, and what begins as a casual get-together grows into something deeper: a place to laugh, to share, to be honest, and to help each other figure out what comes next. It’s funny, but it’s also wonderfully real.
As a Barter alum who’s been away for a bit, working on this play has been a true pleasure - a chance to return to friends I’ve known and loved for years. Throughout this process, we’ve laughed, reminisced, and reconnected with the warmth of those friendships. And like any good friendship, we’ve discovered a few new things along the way.
You may see a little of yourself in these characters - or perhaps someone you love or work with. I hope so; that’s part of the fun. So, sit back, enjoy the laughs, and be reminded how good it feels to share a moment, a story, or even just a sip with friends. I know I certainly have.
- Rick McVey, Director of Savannah Sipping Society
Randa
Zoë Velling*
Marlafaye
Amy Baldwin*
Dot
Mary Lucy Bivins*
Jinx
Ashley Campos*
Grandma
Kate Thomas Denson
*Denotes member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors, and Stage Managers in the United States.
Understudies never substitute for listed actors unless a specific announcement for the appearance is made at the time of the performance.
For the role of Randa: Natalie Crane
For the roles of Marlafaye/Dot: Kate Thomas Denson
For the roles of Jinx/Grandma: Stephanie Gutierrez-Diaz
Director
Rick McVey
Scenic Designer
Derek Smith
Costume Designer
Sarah Maurer
Lighting Designer
Andrew Morehouse
Sound Designer
Connor Stevens
Playwrights
Jones Hope Wooten
Stage Manager
Megan Ward*
Producing Artistic Director of Barter Theatre
Katy Brown
*Denotes members of the Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors, and Stage Managers in the United States.
Wardrobe Supervisor
Chelsea Bannan
Production Assistant
Brianna Boucher
Lighting and Sound Technician
Shawn Glenn Martin Knost
Production Assistant
Rebekah Williams
Production Sponsor
