Distinguished actresses Nancye Hayes and Sue Jones will star in the riotous tale of two fiercely competitive bridge-playing grannies in Geelong next week.
Hayes plays Minnie Chohen, in her nineties, who loses her partner in an unfortunate swimming accident.
“(The play is) very funny and it’s constantly challenging for me as a performer,” she said.
“Learning to play bridge for me is going to be quite daunting, so I hope (the audience) won’t get a laugh at some of my possible mistakes.”
The best player in their retirement village, Liraz Weinberg (Jones), wants them to team up, but Minnie abhors her and wants something in return.
Minnie has a granddaughter and Liraz has a grandson, both hopelessly single. Laying all her cards on the table, Minnie is bidding hearts.
Virginia Gay (Winners and Losers), Rhys McConnochie (Endgame), Georgina Naidu (Newton’s Law) and Peter Paltos (Calpurnia Descending) complete the cast of this story of Jewish grandparents and raw ambition.
Minnie and Liraz is the work of award-winning playwright Lally Katz, who won praise from the veteran actress.
“I think she’s a brilliant young writer,” Hayes said.
Anne-Louise Sarks directs the play when it comes to Geelong this month after premiering at Arts Centre Melbourne in May.
“I was immediately drawn to the incredible, charming and complex women at the centre of Minnie and Liraz,” she said. “I can’t wait to bring it to life.”
“Lally’s writing is truly original, and her latest play is deeply funny, honest and heart-warming – plus there’s the excitement of the bridge championship and a twist that even I did not see coming.”
Minnie and Liraz comes to Geelong for five performances in the Drama Theatre from 28 June to 1 July.
