Showtime at First Baptist

First Baptist of Ivy Gap's 100th anniversary picnic was a smashing success, except for one little thing - the bolt of lightning that struck the church's steeple, igniting a fire that destroyed the sanctuary and so much more

In the wake of the disaster, key women of the church led by Edith, the pastor's take-charge wife 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 may shock the congregation?

If so, how will they circumvent the authority of the all-male conservative board of deacons, not to mention, one of their own?

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

CHARACTERS

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

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