Showtime At First Baptist
by Ron Osborne

Showtime At First Baptist Book Cover
Showtime At First Baptist Cover

Highlights

120 mins 1970s All Women Unit Set/Multiple Settings Period Costumes American Comedy

Synopsis

A bolt of lightning struck First Baptist of Ivy Gap, igniting a fire that destroyed the sanctuary.

In the wake of the disaster, key women of the church gather in what's left (the fellowship hall) to commiserate and try to put things back together.

To raise spirits and funds for rebuilding, the women plan an evening of entertainment designed to showcase the congregation's talent.

Could it be that some of Edith's gang plan a song and dance number that would shock the congregation?

If so, how will they circumvent the authority of the all-male conservative board of deacons?

Change is in the air as these six diverse women challenge institutions as well as each other.

Along the way, there are laughs to be shared, battles to be fought, love to be won, relationships to be mended, and losses to be grieved

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Press Reviews

"Good natured religious jokes aplenty and drama...But the real meat is a gentle, warm story about six good women and how they came together despite times that are, 'a changing'...A serious play and a delightful comedy...I sure enjoyed it."

— Bristol Herald-Courier

"Sure to be an instant classic...This touching comedy is full of laughs, realistic characters and thought-provoking issues...The Southern women who inhabit the world of Ivy Gap are amazing! Osborne can definitely write great women characters...It's small-town politics at its most entertaining...Bring the whole family."

— Washington County News

"It's a comedy first, but a comedy with bite and those moments of seriousness make the funny moments even funnier...delves into some thought-provoking topics while making you laugh too hard to feel offended...you can't help but be taken in."

— A! Magazine For The Arts

Characters

Character
Vera

the opinionated wife of the church's most powerful deacon, mid-60s

Mae Ellen

the church's rebellious organist with a dream, 50

Olene

a former member with a flashy past who just returned to Ivy Gap, 50

Annie

a northerner living with her in-laws while her husband serves in Vietnam, early 20s

Lucille

Annie's mother-in-law, a tried and true Baptist, early-50s

Edith

the pastor's take-charge wife, mid-60s

Publication

Publisher Samuel French
Year 2009
Binding Paperback
Edition Samuel French a ed.
Pages 88
Place New York, NY
Language English
ISBN-13 9780573696466
ISBN-10 0573696462
LCCN 2010277533
LCC PS3615.S275 S56 2009

Showtime At First Baptist is a American comedy play written by Ron Osborne and published by Samuel French in New York, NY (2009).

Digital editions available on Amazon Kindle .

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Performance Rights

Available for Licensing
Amateur Only
Fee: Minimum Fee: $110 per performance

Restrictions: Major Markets Only (US) / Standard Restriction (UK)

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