Two ladies are discovered in the back suite of a once fashionable hotel in New York that is being demolished. They have been there since 1932 when Hoover lost and they have vowed to remain secluded until a Republican is elected. The press and the National Chairmen of the Republican and Democratic parties descend upon the ladies, members of one of the country's oldest and richest families. The ladies defy both politicians and face eviction and disgrace. They retain their independence when wealth pours down upon them and they move in triumph to the Waldorf Astoria.

Surprisingly, there are more men in “Girls in 509” than women! But don’t let that fool you...it’s definitely the GIRLS who steal the show. Hettie Van der Wyck and her niece Mimsy are wonderful female protagonists! There is nothing these two haven’t figured out how to do – even if they have been sequestered in a hotel for 26 years. In 1932, they decided to stay put until a Republican was back in office – and somehow they managed to get along just fine. Though the story is set in 1958 with loads of references to political figures of that time, the playwright could have written the play today. Don’t worry about their politics – Republican or Democrat – both parties get their fare share of flack! Party choice is really just a useful foil here. It’s really all about man’s tenacity in clinging to heartfelt beliefs. These women are heroes...naive though they may be... because they walk the walk and talk the talk of their convictions.

Special thanks to producer Dianna for her super organization and eye for detail; stage manager Liz for her steadfast loyalty and serenity, Jim D. for his always-artistic and brilliant set; costumer Kathy for her wardrobe authenticity; light designer James G. for putting the actors in the dark...at the right time of course (!), and Ginny for properly “propping” the show! Above all, I want to applaud this wonderful cast – they are a director’s dream with talent in abundance! Please enjoy their work as you visit “The Girls in 509”!

Pat Clark, Director

Mimsy ................................................................... Annie Bigley
Aunt Hettie ...................................................... Lorus Hawbecker
Old Jim.................................................................Abbott Morgan
Ryan, of the Daily News ..............................................David Bove
Professor Pusey ............................................... Alan Mohney, Jr.
Miss Freud ...........................................................Ashlie Mohney
Winthrop Allen ........................................................... John Clark
Summers, of the Herald Tribune.....................................David Day
Johnson, of the Daily Mirror............................... Christina Fullerton
Rosenthal, of the Post ............................................ Nick Rymsza
Francis X. Nella ...........................................................Bill Harbor
Aubrey McKittridge ..................................................... Lou Russo

ANNIE BIGLEY (Mimsy Van der Wyck) – Annie has been involved in the theatre for more than 20 years. she has performed locally in Last of the Red Hot Lovers (FWP), The Women (EOT) and A Doll’s House (Stage Agenda). Annie feels blessed to be working with such a talented cast and crew and gives thanks for the immeasurable support from Steve.

DAVE BOVE (Arthur Ryan) – This is Dave’s second acting role since moving to Florida 3 years ago. This transplanted New York singer and contest-winning songwriter has just finished performing in My Fair Lady (EOT). He is thrilled to be working with such a talented cast, director and crew.

NICK RYMSZA (Rosenthal) – Nick is a veteran of FWP, having started on stage in Naughty Marietta then moving backstage for How To Succeed In Business and Francis Wilson, The Musical. He’s happy to be performing in front of an audience again with a wonderful cast and a brilliant director.
 

Meet The Director