Four Old Broads by Leslie Kimbell is a lively comedy set in Magnolia Place Assisted Living in Georgia. Retired burlesque queen Beatrice Shelton longs for a Caribbean cruise, but her plans are thwarted by the ominous Nurse Pat Jones. With residents mysteriously disappearing and a suspicious pill circulating, Beatrice enlists her quirky friends—pious Eaddy Mae, soap opera–obsessed Maude, and newcomer Imogene—to uncover the truth. Their investigation leads to undercover antics, beauty pageant schemes, and plenty of laughs. Blending humor with mystery, the play celebrates friendship, resilience, and the adventurous spirit that thrives at any age.

From The Director, Becky Vreeland

One thing we can be sure of, is that we get older every day. For some, that is a truism that causes some consternation; for others, joy. Still others mourn their perceived loss of independence or relinquishing roles long held, as many become grandparents or retire from long held careers.

For the residents of Magnolia Place, we see a wide spectrum of these responses as it is a “full service”retirement community: independent living to assisted care. Yet through all the challenges of aging, our denizens of this particular community are still looking for meaning in their day to day relationships. They still want adventure and fun and to remain open to any happiness that life may send their way.

We focus on Beatrice, Eaddy, Imogene and Maude (& of course, Sam!) as they grow new friendships and remain independent and vibrant. This group of, at times unlikely, friends bonds ever more closely as they seek to solve the mystery of “what’s going on around here?”

I think we can learn from these absolutely real characters, what strength there is in friendship, love and support of one another within their community. I know I, for one, will be one of those “Old Broads” who keeps looking for the joy, fun and new experiences life has to offer. I hope you will too, as you enjoy the Storytellers’ performance of Leslie Kimbell’s FOUR OLD BROADS. Thank you all for being here!

Iona Jo Ridley as Beatrice

Was born in London England and has been a professional actor since the age of 4. Appearing first in commercials, BBC dramas and theater, before landing the lead role in a long running television situation comedy series. Iona studied drama and directing at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama  in London and the Lee Strasberg Method in London and Los Angeles. Iona came to Northern CA and Lake County to study and become a homebirth midwife and had caught babies all over the county for 24 years!! These days Iona loves to sail and sing! She is a certified Life Coach and a practitioner of the healing arts practicing an ancient Shamanic tradition that is rooted in the indigenous Amazon Rainforest. If you can’t find her in Lake County or the UK you’ll probably find her on a beach or in her sailboat in the Sea of Cortes Baja Mexico. She is a Valley Fire survivor and breast cancer survivor and the proud mother of two amazing sons. 

June Wilson-Clarkin as Eaddy

June started doing Theater 12 years ago. She went to a Lip Sync show and had such a good time, that she decided to join the following Lip Sync and was hooked ever since. She has performed in: Spamalot, South Pacific, The Producers, Much To Do About Nothing, Dashing Through the Snow, Animal Farm, Boeing Boeing, 9 to 5, where she played the lead role of Doralee (Dolly Parton), the highlight of her acting experience and most recently California Suites. She looks forward to her role in Four Old Broads as Eaddy. 

Gloria Strausberg as Imogene

Gloria is thrilled to introduce Imogene, the sometimes forgetful but always lovable character and one-fourth of the sassy Four Old Broads! Gloria’s theater credits include memorable performances as Truvy with Lake County Theater Productions, and roles in Evita and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with Raven Theater. She has also appeared in Morningstar at Spreckels Theater, A Tribute to Edith Piaf at Cinnabar Theater, Salute to the Roaring Twenties at Wine Country Theater, A Murder Has Been Arranged at Novato Community Theater, and both Miracle on 34th Street and Alice Underground with Sonoma Community Theaters. When she’s not on stage, Gloria joins Randy Hood in their music duo, Equinox—be sure to catch them performing beautiful music throughout Lake County.

Kathleen Escude as Maude

Kathleen is a long time Lake County resident. She has been involved in community theater since 2000. She has enjoyed some wonderful roles in such plays as: Fiddler on the Roof, Nunsense, Sound of Music, Odd Couple (female version), Les Mis, Pirates of Penzance, Aunt Eller in Oklahoma. Imogene in FISHWRAP and others and now as Maude in Four Old Braods. She is enjoying working in the theater again.

Michele Chapman as Ruby Sue

Michele Chapman brings her excitement to the stage as she takes on the role of Ruby Sue in Four Old Broads. With over two decades of acting experience under her belt, Michele has graced numerous productions, including memorable appearances in various Lip Sync productions. Among her repertoire, Michele cherishes roles such as Georgann in Five Women Wearing the Same Dress, the vivacious Honey Rae in the Fayro Texas trilogy, the charming Faye in The Amorous Ambassador, the endearing Grace in Bus Stop and M’Lynn in Steel Magnolias.

Shalon Citron as Nurse Pat

Shalon grew up in a creative and artistic environment, moving between states and receiving early training from her mother in ballet, tap, jazz, modern hip hop, etiquette, and modeling. Her childhood was filled with dance recitals, plays, and fashion shows, and she further explored her passion for the arts through drama classes in high school. During her junior year, she returned to Portland and enrolled in Barbizon for modeling and acting. After graduating, Shalon joined the Navy and was stationed in San Diego, California. There, she completed her service and reignited her modeling and acting career, enrolling in John Casablanca’s to further her training. She traveled frequently to Los Angeles for roles in films, commercials, fashion shows, and photo shoots. Later relocating to Maryland, Shalon made the pivotal decision to rebuild her career, enrolling in John Robert Powers Acting School and launching a new chapter with renewed determination. Her talent and drive have led to appearances in numerous films, magazines, books, print ads, and music videos. Internationally recognized, Shalon is also a singer and songwriter with over 100 released songs on streaming platforms, having collaborated with artists and producers worldwide. Whether performing live with a band, teaching children the arts, or simply enjoying others’ talents with her own children, Shalon is a dynamic, dedicated, and multi-talented model, actress, musician, and mother—a true embodiment of success.

Justin Braider as Sam

Justin moved to Lakeport from New York in 1995 and quickly became involved in the local theater scene. His favorite experience was Much Ado About Nothing—the first full-length Shakespeare production in Lake County. He joined the Lake County Players in Carousel in 2002 and made his long awaited return to the stage as Charles in Fishwrap. Originally from the bustle of New York, Justin has come to appreciate the natural beauty and relaxed pace of Lake County. A high school English, History, and Drama teacher for over 20 years, he now monitors the lake for invasive species and runs a dog care business. His love for theater began when he played one of Fagin’s boys—”almost before I liked girls!”—and he’s enjoyed being involved in every aspect of the stage ever since.

Additional Cast

Amy & Doug Cembellin as Alexia and Carlton
Lacey Stornetta as Lurleen Dupree

THANK YOU!

Doug Volz, Richard Radovic, Iona Ridley, Shelley Werner, June Wilson-Clarkin for loaning us furnishings.

Kelseyville Sunrise Rotary for managin concessions!

VIDEO RECORDING, AUDIO RECORDING AND PHOTOGRAPHY ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED!

“Four Old Broads” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com