Melbourne Civic Theatre stages heartwarming dramatic comedy "The Cemetery Club"

Anyone who has lived through times of hardship knows how important it is to have the support of friends. Melbourne Civic Theatre explores love, loss and the enduring power of friendship in the heartwarming play "The Cemetery Club" by Ivan Menchell. The dramatic comedy opens May 19 and runs through June 25.

The play has been a hit with audiences since it first premiered on Broadway in 1990. It was made into a movie in 1993, starring Ellen Burstyn, Olympia Dukakis and Diane Ladd.

Set in New York, the story follows three Jewish widows, Doris, Lucille and Ida, who meet once a month to visit their husbands' graves and gossip about their lives. The women have different personalities, but they all have one thing in common - grief.

As the play progresses, we see the women struggle to move on from their loss and find happiness again. But when a widower named Sam enters their lives, their friendship is put to the test. Sam is charming and kind, but will the ladies' loyalty to their deceased husbands prevent them from moving on?

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The play explores themes of love and loss, but don't be fooled into thinking this is a somber affair. Menchell's script is full of witty one-liners and snappy banter that will have you laughing out loud. And the three lead actors are seasoned veterans who know how to deliver a punchline.

Judith Lemoncelli plays Ida, the sweet-tempered one of the trio. She's still mourning the loss of her beloved husband but wants to begin a new life. Nellie Brannan portrays Lucille, the feisty, flirtatious and fashion-conscious member of the group. Sally Contess plays Doris, who tends to be a bit judgmental and offers plenty of sage advice to her friends.

"These gals are very quick-witted," said artistic director Peg Girard. "As longtime friends, they're not afraid to be brutally candid with one another. That makes for some very funny interaction."

"There's a kind of 'Golden Girls' vibe among them," she said.

For Girard, getting the production on stage has been a labor of love. Originally scheduled for March of 2020, "The Cemetery Club" was two weeks from opening when Melbourne Civic Theatre shut down due to the COVID pandemic. By the time the theater was cleared to reopen, Girard and her team decided not to continue with the play out of an abundance of caution.

"It was decided not to remount a show with multiple actors of a certain age," she said.

Three years later, when the opportunity to produce "The Cemetery Club" arose again, Girard knew the time was right to reassemble the team.

"I decided to replace our last show of this season with the same cast, crew and set of 'The Cemetery Club,' she said. "All five actors were available and excited to bring this show back."

Girard believes audiences - especially those of a certain age - will find the play particularly engaging.

"I think they'll see something of themselves in the characters," she said. "The decision to seek new companionship in widowhood, the fear of putting themselves back in the dating game. It's nice to see a play that reflects what seniors go through, but within a context of humor and compassion."

Ultimately, "The Cemetery Club" is a celebration of life. It reminds us that even in the darkest moments, friends are there to make us laugh, offer a shoulder to cry on or lend a helping hand. In a world that can feel increasingly divided and isolating, that's a message that will resonate.

If you go

'The Cemetery Club'

Where: Melbourne Civic Theatre, 817 E. Strawbridge Ave., Melbourne

When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through June 25. There will be a special Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. June 10.

Tickets: $30

Info: 321-723-6935

On the web:  mymct.org

Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at clafortune@floridatoday.com.

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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Dramatic comedy "The Cemetery Club" at Melbourne Civic Theatre