“Calendar Girls” opened last weekend at The Portland Players. For local actress Nancy Durgin, of Wiscasset, it was a first.
Based on the 2003 film by the same name, “Calendar Girls” tells the story of a group of women who persuade each another to pose for a charity calendar – in the nude.
Durgin was delighted to be cast in the play. She was on the play-reading committee for the group and fell in love with the script.
“I worked at The Portland Players many years ago,” she said. “The last time was ‘Stop the World, I Want To Get Off’ opposite actor Louis Phillipe, back when God was a boy. Retirement seemed like a good excuse to get back on stage in Portland.”
“I was sure that I wouldn’t get a part,” she said. “There were over 100 women auditioning. The call came from the producer, who usually gets the job of informing the rejects. I was prepared, ready to be gracious, and he offered me the part of Annie.”
Durgin plays the part of the woman who is the impetus for the fundraiser. Annie’s husband dies of leukemia and the many hours sitting in an uncomfortable waiting room inspire the women to raise money for a decent “settee.” Durgin is touching and hilarious in the role.
At the Sunday matinee, the audience cheered as, one by one, the women posed with strategically placed props for their “shocking” calendar. Durgin manages with a teacup and teapot. “Rehearsing the nude scenes was a riot,” she said.
The show is a winter-fever reliever and well worth the drive to South Portland. “Calendar Girls” runs through Feb. 15.
Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees are at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $15 for children and students with ID. To purchase tickets, call 799-7337 or visit www.portlandplayers.org.
The Portland Players is located at 420 Cottage Rd. in South Portland.
