Quannapowitt Players' "Chesapeake Chicks" Is a Hit!

We have to figure out this mystery and fast.

“Chesapeake Chicks” takes center stage at Quannapowitt Players. Written by Peter Zachari, this comical play follows four former players of an all-female baseball team who discover a cryptic message in their late friend’s journal. A chaotic mystery unfolds.

Quannapowitt Players auditorium roared with laughter during the final dress rehearsal of “The Chesapeake Chicks.” This is one of the funniest comedies ever. It’s “Golden Girls” meets “Clue.” Beneath the nonstop comedy, it spotlights a richly entertaining play and a positive portrayal of older women.

Kate Beattie (Rita), Teri Muller (Carrie), Theresa Chiasson (Alice), and Liz Robbins (Gertrude) deliver sensational performances. From their hilarious comedic delivery to their wild energy, all four women are talented actresses. I’m impressed with how well the women studied their characters, creating distinct personalities.

Robbins plays the dramatic actress Gertrude, who bursts into impromptu monologue and song. As the spacey Carrie, Muller’s deliveries were so funny, and I enjoyed how she ran from one room to the next.

Alice has the sarcasm tongue. Chiasson has a ball with this unfiltered character. Rita tries to ground the chaos as the level-headed one, but can’t get anything through to anyone. Beattie’s expressive reactions and exasperated sighs merited laughter from audiences.

The women’s dynamic cements the show. While they are the best of friends, they have their opinions. That was one of the funniest parts. One would flip off the other right when they left the room! Comedy can be the hardest genre to nail, but everyone’s timing was natural, finding the show’s rhythm.

Two other characters are involved in the chaos. Matthew Lundergan plays Matthew, the women’s ever-loyal caretaker, who answers their demands. Matthew plays up the mysteries as he’s trying to get away with his own schemes. Lundergan is an acrobat himself, jumping over couches.

And then there is Chris Rose, who plays an officer. (Oh, wait, no, he is a detective.) The officer investigates the situation, but doesn’t follow the right police procedures. Rose was another comical delight as he tries to get the right story from each woman.

Director Angela Courtney Rossi is passionate about this play, which shows through in every scene. She embraces the chaotic nature and brings warmth to the story. Rossi took special care of this show, implementing two casts for more stars to shine.

“One of the things I love most about this play is that it refuses to underestimate women of ‘certain age,’” Rossi said.

“Chesapeake Chicks” shouts girl power and celebrates older women. Roles for older women are overlooked both onstage and in the media. This show, from the acting and direction, proves that stories about older women are still entertaining narratives.

Several hands were on deck to help the show run smoothly. John Pease’s set design of the chicks' house brings audiences into their world. Rossi created some of the props herself. The lighting plays an important role, flickering in key moments. Kris Reynolds and Jennifer Hurley supply notable costumes, hair, and makeup.

The final dress rehearsal drew an older crowd who laughed at the relatable situations. One scene (I won’t spoil) caused the loudest laughter I have ever heard. It was the type of dark comedy one can get away with in this show.

You do not want to miss the belly laughter of “Chesapeake Chicks.” It’s hilarious and heartfelt. The show plays at Quannapowitt Players from May 22 through June 6. You’ll have to see it twice, with the starting line-up and on-deck casts. Check the website for cast schedules and tickets: https://qptheater.com/the-chesapeake-chicks/