Welcome Back to Ivy Gap
by Ron Osborne

Name: Welcome Back to Ivy Gap
Brand: Ron Osborne
SKU: 9780573703799
Rating: 5 (1 reviews)

Welcome Back to Ivy Gap Book Cover — Welcome Back to Ivy Gap Cover

Highlights

Female

Male

120 mins Present Day Ensemble Cast Unit Set/Multiple Settings Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes Comedy

Synopsis

Welcome back to First Baptist of Ivy Gap.

After a fire that resulted in the death of the church’s beloved pastor, the sanctuary has been renovated and a new pastor has been called.

There to welcome him are Olene, a reformed Vegas stripper who fancies a star-studded career in religious music; Mae Ellen, the church’s rebellious organist who may find that love comes along when least expected; Vera, the sharp-tongued wife of the chairman of the church’s board of deacons, who covets the role of the sexpot in Neil Simon’s Last of the Red Hot Lovers ; Loretta, said to be the author of trashy Southern novels, who’s determined to impose her questionable values on the church; and Edith, the former pastor’s beloved and resourceful widow, who faces a future without the things she cherishes most … her husband, her church and her friends.

Add Joseph J. Jennings – the church’s newly called pastor who’s competing with the ghost of the deceased pastor – and we have the third installment of the “First Baptist” trilogy … a poignant look at colorful characters who – while being given second chances – share laughs, love and forgiveness.

Press Reviews

"Mostly funny but oftentimes downright touching,... Although the play is 'Welcome Back to Ivy Gap,' please know that having been there previously is no requirement for enjoying this hilarious but warm play." - Bristol Herald Courier"Welcome Back to Ivy Gap is a charming and whimsical little comedy that follows up playwright Ron Osborne’s First Baptist of Ivy Gap and Showtime at Ivy Gap. This latest installment is at least as much fun as its predecessors and every bit as funny...Welcome Back to Ivy Gap is full of laughs and good country charm, and provides a quaint and cozy evening of entertainment for the whole family."
— SWVA Today

Characters

Character	Gender	Age	Description
Olene A shapely member of the church whose “infamous” past haunts her future – late 40s.	female	40s	A shapely member of the church whose “infamous” past haunts her future – late 40s.
Mae Ellen The church’s organist and choir director who wants a whole lot more – early 50s.	—	50s	The church’s organist and choir director who wants a whole lot more – early 50s.
Vera A flamboyant, influential member who takes no prisoners – mid-60s.	—	60s	A flamboyant, influential member who takes no prisoners – mid-60s.
Loretta A new member of the church who’d like to be someone she’s not – early 50s.	—	50s	A new member of the church who’d like to be someone she’s not – early 50s.
Joseph J. Jennings The church’s new pastor who’s trying to replace a legend – late 40s.	—	40s	The church’s new pastor who’s trying to replace a legend – late 40s.
Edith The take-charge former first lady of the church whose life is about to change – mid-60s.	female	60s	The take-charge former first lady of the church whose life is about to change – mid-60s.