Historical Playbills can be viewed by clicking here.
South City Theatre
Presents
The Cemetery Club
By Ivan Menchell
Place/Time
Mid-Autumn in Queens, New York
There will be one 15 minute intermission.
THE CEMETERY CLUB is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on
behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTING RECORDINGS OR STREAMS IN ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, A VIOLATION OF THE AUTHOR(S)’S RIGHTS AND ACTIONABLE UNDER UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW.
CAST
| Character | Actor |
| Ida | Robin Rushing |
| Lucille | Lisa Nelson |
| Doris | Billie Jo Pigniolo |
| Sam | David Gauntt |
| Mildred | Yvonne Gauntt |
CREW
| Director | Victoria Boyce |
| Stage Manager | Maggie Holsomback |
| Set Designer | Clay Boyce |
| Set Crew | Giles Brehany |
| Sound and Lighting Designer/Operator | Victoria Boyce |
| SCT Photographer | Steven Ross |
| Poster and Playbill Designer | Delaine Derry Green |
| Online Program Design | Steven Ross |
Cast and Crew Bios
Robin Rushing (Ida) is happy to be performing again with the fabulous South City
Theatre. Some of her favorite shows here include The Cottage, Mama Won’t Fly, and
Steel Magnolias. She loves this funny, sweet, and heartfelt story, and trusts that you
will, too. Robin thanks Victoria for her dedication and the opportunity to play Ida. She
also thanks her fellow castmates for the hard work, camaraderie, and fun; Maggie for
all her indefatigable efforts; Clay, Vicki, Ron and everyone who created the set; and all
the people who keep South City going. Most of all, thank YOU, the audience, for
coming here and supporting community theater. It is because of the support that is
received that allows South City to continue the treasure that is the little gem of a theater
in Pelham.
Lisa Nelson (Lucille) is thrilled to be a part of South City Theater’s season opener. She
says that working with this cast has been a delightful experience. Lisa thanks Robin
Rushing from Second to Last Chance, David and Yvonne Gauntt from Much Ado About
Nothing and newcomer Billie Jo Pigniolo who made the extended rehearsal period a joy.
A big thank you to Grace Klein for their generous hospitality. Continue to Support the
Arts and enjoy the show!
Billie Jo Pigniolo (Doris) says her love for theater began in 1975, performing in
productions throughout the New Orleans area. After more than four decades away from
the stage, she is thrilled to return as Doris in The Cemetery Club. Stepping back into
theater with South City Theatre has been an incredible experience, and she is
especially grateful for the warm welcome from this wonderful director and cast. She
couldn’t be more excited about this new chapter!
David Gauntt (Sam) is pleased to appear in his fourth South City production, after
Panache, Carol Burnett Summer Shorts, and Much Ado About Nothing. Sharp eyed
theater goers may recognize him from Birmingham Park Players and Centerstage
Productions, most notably in Twelfth Night, Taming of the Shrew, Forty Second Street,
Me and My Girl,” and Alice in Wonderland. David is the proud father of four daughters
and grandfather of two. He is married to Yvonne Gauntt (Mildred). He is incredibly
happy to finally get the male lead in a romantic comedy; better late than never! Thanks,
Victoria!
Yvonne Gauntt (Mildred) is happy to be doing her second show with South City
Theater, after playing Verges in Much Ado About Nothing. She is also pleased to once
again be in a play directed by Victoria. She has also appeared as Madame Nelda in
Dearly Beloved at Homewood Theatre, and in the deep past, (because she’s old
enough to be in this show), appeared with Park Players, Centerstage, and the Stanford
Savoyards.
Ivan Menchell (Playwright) Broadway credits include Bonnie & Clyde (book), Chitty
Chitty Bang Bang (additional material), and The Cemetery Club. Off-Broadway/Tours
include Smiling Through (book), The Prince & The Pauper (book), The Surprise Party.
For the screen, Mr. Menchell wrote an adaptation of his play, The Cemetery Club,
starring Ellen Burstyn, Diane Ladd, and Olympia Dukakis; is co-writer of Samuel
Goldwyn’s Napoleon; and served as a writer on Universal’s animated feature, Curious
George. An Emmy nominated television writer, he created the critically acclaimed
Showtime series, Bedtime and has served as Writer/Co-Executive Producer on Disney
Channel’s Phil of The Future and JONAS, starring the Jonas Brothers. He was also a
writer/producer on the long-running CBS comedy The Nanny, and the FOX dramatic
series Time of Your Life, starring Jennifer Love Hewitt. Ivan is the recipient of a
Fulbright fellowship for his playwriting and a graduate of the Yale School of Drama.
Board of Directors
| Artistic Director | Donna Williamson |
| President | TBD |
| Vice-President | Steven Ross |
| Secretary | TBD |
| Treasurer | John Chain |
Members at Large
Dianne Rowe, Thomas Robinson, Trey Woodrow, Michelle Vercher, Lisa Nelson, Kathy Scruggs and Mike Gerrells
Director’s Notes
Everyone has experienced loss, some more than others. This is a great story about the friendship of three women and their journey together overcoming the loss of their husbands. We see the three different ways of approaching grief and moving on from it. This is a touching story that anyone can relate to, whether you are in the same position or not. Thank you to everyone involved in the production and for everyone that has come to see this show. Please enjoy the story and lose yourself in the life of these relatable women while forgetting about your troubles for a while.
Special Thanks
Ron Rabun, Maggie and Kate Holsomeback, Clay and Vicki Boyce,
Delta Pawn, The Grace Klein Community Center and Anyone We may
have forgotten SORRY!
Coming Soon
Plan to attend these fabulous shows in our 2026/2027 Season
Sponsors and Advertisers
The organizations and businesses below support our mission to bring quality theatre to Shelby County. Please take a moment to visit their sites and support their work.
The mission of the Pelham Beautification Entertainment & Arts Team, Inc., a non-profit corporation, is to support, nurture and promote the arts, cultural organizations, community beautification, entertainment, and artists in the City of Pelham, Alabama, enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors and promoting economic growth.
2659 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham, Alabama 35124
(205) 621-2722
https://www.helena.minutemanpress.com/
South City Theatre is a proud member of the following:
