Now playing on Springfield Players' stage

Veteran actresses Molly Ferris and Sharon Wood share the Springfield Community Players’ stage in “The Southwest Corner,” a comedy/drama that seethes with a quiet battle of wills.
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Springfield Players Submitted by Vermont Journal on Wed, 05/23/2012 - 9:55am Molly Ferris (left) as Marcia Elder and Sharon Wood (right) as Bea Cannon. Tommy the cat is a beloved companion of Marcia but looked upon askance by Bea in the first meeting of the two prospective housemates. SPRINGFIELD, VT -Veteran actresses Molly Ferris and Sharon Wood share the Springfield Community Players’ stage in “The Southwest Corner,” a comedy/drama that seethes with a quiet battle of wills. The play by John Cecil Holm opens on May 25 and runs May 26 and June 1 & 2. Ferris, as Marcia Elder, a retired Vermont schoolteacher, brings out the steadfast qualities of a woman trying to live out her last days in her generations-old farmhouse. Marcia’s unusual plan to remain in her home is thwarted by Bea Cannon, played by Sharon Wood, who works to turn aside the course of action the two women have agreed on. Marcia has signed a will leaving her home to Bea in return for Bea’s care of her for as long as she lives. But serene Vermont marble comes up against insidious downstate ironstone. Only a young engaged couple, played by Katie King and Scott Bowman, can propitiously ease the tension filled ending of the play. Molly Ferris, of Chester, and Sharon Wood, of Claremont, have portrayed many leading roles and character parts over the years with the Players. Ferris was a favorite in “The Curious Savage,” “Harvey,” and “The Porch.” Wood shone as Ethel in “On Golden Pond,” Julia in “Lend Me A Tenor,” and roles in “The Cemetery Club” and Neil Simon’s “Lost in Yonkers.” Both actresses bring depth and presence to the roles of Marcia Elder and Bea Cannon. The play's ensemble cast also features Donald Gray as Marcia's yankee handiman, Tom Field as an engaging auctioneer, and Linda Dunworth as Bea's garrulous friend. “The Southwest Corner” is based on a book by Mildred Walker. Its Vermont setting in the early 1950s gives glimpses of rural life in New England then and reminds us of social issues still in ferment. Laced with gentle humor, the play, directed by Ira Emerson, is produced at the Players’ Studio on South Street in Springfield at 7 p.m. Make reservations at 802-885-4098 for this lively, evocative story. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $12 for seniors and students.