Plays of Wilton announces a new division called Women of Wilton (WOW!). The first WOW! production will be “Last Summer at Bluefish Cove,” starring eight super talented actresses and directed by award-winning Nicole Stodard, to be performed July 27- August 20th, 2023 at The Foundry located in Wilton Manors, Florida.
The award-winning landmark play, “Last Summer at Bluefish Cove,” by Jane Chambers, is the first mainstream play about lesbians, and is celebrated for its depiction of queer women as rounded, three-dimensional characters. Chambers began writing “Last Summer at Bluefish Cove” for the first Gay American Arts Festival in 1980. Affectionately referred to as “The Girls in the Sand,” Chambers’ play is a successful lesbian counterpoint to Mart Crowley’s hit 1968 play “The Boys in the Band.” A true LBGTQ classic, Chambers’ play focuses on the friendships and journeys of eight women as they grapple with lead character Liv’s cancer diagnosis. The play ultimately champions the power of love, the importance of living life to the fullest in the moment, and the hope of new beginnings.
“Chambers’ iconic play has experienced many revivals since it premiered more than 40 years ago, and in our current moment, it reminds us of how far we have come, and how far we still must go. The play’s mix of humor and pathos makes it an incredible acting vehicle, and we have assembled a stellar cast to tell its story. I am honored to direct this important work as the inaugural show of Women of Wilton (WOW!),” said Nicole Stodard.
Ronnie Larsen, founder and artistic director, Plays of Wilton, commented, “This is a very exciting day here at Plays of Wilton (POW!). We are announcing a new division of POW! called WOW!, Women of Wilton, and “Last Summer at Bluefish Cove,” will be our first big show! Jane Chambers, who wrote the play, is a nationally recognized award-winning American playwright. She was a ‘pioneer in writing theatrical works with openly lesbian characters.’ We are also so honored to have Nicole Stodard directing this ground-breaking production.”
