May 8 through 25—WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — Shaker Bridge Theatre continues its 17th season with “Maytag Virgin,” a tender and witty two-person play by Audrey Cefaly, at the Briggs Opera House. Directed by Jammie Patton, the play follows two widowed neighbors navigating grief, connection, and the possibility of love, all from the vantage of their back porches.
The story centers on Alabama schoolteacher Lizzy Nash and her new neighbor, Jack Key. Both have recently lost their spouses and find themselves face-to-face with fresh starts and buried emotions. Over the course of a year, through laughter and poignant exchanges, the two come to terms with their losses and consider what it means to begin again.
Making their Shaker Bridge debuts, Napiera Groves Boykin stars as Lizzy and Greg Alverez Reid plays Jack. Boykin’s credits include Broadway’s “Spamalot,” “Dreamgirls” (national tour), and appearances in American Auto, High School Musical: The Series, and US. Reid brings a rich resume from “Sweat” at Northern Stage, “Fences” at McCarter Theatre, and television roles in “FBI” and “Wu-Tang: An American Saga.”
Director Jammie Patton, returning to Shaker Bridge after last season’s “The Cake,” has helmed acclaimed productions at Vermont Stage and Shadowland Stages. She brings her signature blend of humor and depth to this intimate drama.
Playwright Audrey Cefaly is known for her lyrical, character-driven works that explore the emotional landscapes of the American South. Her credits include “The Gulf,” “Alabaster,” and “The Last Wide Open.” Maytag Virgin continues Shaker Bridge Theatre’s season-long focus on works by women playwrights.
The production features lighting by Clif Rogers, sets by Craig Mowery, and costumes by Martie Betts.
Tickets range from $12 to $40 and are available at shakerbridgetheatre.org or by calling 802-281-6848. Performances are Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 4 p.m.
For tickets and additional information, visit: shakerbridgetheatre.org.
