Below you will find bios for the whole cast as well as the team. This is such an amazing cast and team we want to share more about all of them, keep scrolling to see everyone who has helped make this show come to life! We thank you so much for coming to the show and helping support Theatre 7!
Dot
RuthAnn Holmes
RuthAnn Holmes has been a member of T7 since 2010. She is a retired teacher who still loves guest reading in classrooms in Decatur and Argenta/Oreana. She has served on the T7 Board, worked backstage, and as house manager. Some of her favorite shows to perform in were Murder Inn, Nana’s Naughty Knickers, and Drinking Habits.
Favorite Drink: Iced Tea
Favorite thing about Decatur: Scovill Zoo
Why see the show?: “C’est le ve et encore il est bon” (such is life and even then it’s good) as the girls in the Savannah Sipping Society learn in this light-hearted, heartwarming story. As each of the ladies face the trials that life hands them, they find strength in themselves and in their unexpected friendships.
Character: Dot Haigler
Favorite Drink: Until she met the girls she was an iced tea fan but now she loves champagne.
Favorite thing about Savannah: It is a city full of charm, history, and Southern hospitality.
Jinx
Jamie Tucker
This is Jamie’s fourth production with Theatre 7. She is so excited to take on the role of Jinx and hopes to take what she’s learned from this spirited woman with her after the curtains close. She dedicates her performance to her niece, Rae. Hopefully, you will learn as much from these women as Jamie did and enjoy the show!
Favorite Drink: Tequila Sunrise
Favorite thing about Decatur: Art from the Heart (Art from the Heart is a non-profit organization that creates a safe space for children of incarcerated parents to learn and express themselves through the arts.)
Why see the show?: It shows strong women who are written to be funny, smart, and sexy. Showing us women to be true to ourselves no matter what age, and to never be afraid to try new things.
Character: Jinx Jenkins
Favorite Drink: Old Fashion (w/Kentucky Bourbon)
Favorite thing about Savannah: All the charming southern men.
Timber Ziegler & Abby Martin
Grandmother
Special shout out to Timber Ziegler and Abby Martian for playing the important role of Grandmother. You help bring the show alive.
Marlafaye
Lesa Andrick
Lesa Andrick has been a Theatre 7 member for over 30 years. Her first T7 production was Nunsense and her most recent was Star on the Door. Some highlight roles include Miss Hannigan in Annie (which she was lucky enough to perform in production with Theatre 7 and the Springfield Muni), Sister Hubert in several versions of Nunsense, Yenta in Fiddler on the Roof (at the Little Theatre on the Square) and Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes. Lesa says, “Theatrical work is challenging and rewarding, and I am thankful for every opportunity to PLAY with Theatre 7!
Favorite Drink: Bloody Mary
Favorite thing about Decatur: It’s home!
Why see the show?: It is a wonderful show about growing older and learning to spread your wings again when you thought you forgot how to fly!
Character: Marlafaye Mosley
Favorite Drink: Bourbon … or anything else I might have tucked away in my bag.
Favorite thing about Savannah: It’s far away from my ex.
Randa
Tanya Williamson
This is Tanya’s first appearance with Theatre 7 and on the Decatur Civic Center’s stage. She is excited to play Randa Covington in The Savannah Sipping Society. She previously played Juror Number Seven in 12 Angry Women, Big Ethel Satterwhite in Doublewide Texas Christmas, and Gracie Dorset in A Fly on the Wall with Monticello Theatre Association at the Phoenix Theatre. She was a theatre major at SIU-C and enjoyed playing several roles on the McLeod Theatre MainStage and the Summer Playhouse Children’s Theatre as well as the School of Communication’s Marion Kleinau Theatre. When not performing, Tanya loves visiting with her twin college boys during breaks, binge-watching TV series, attending live music performances, cooking, and gardening. She would like to thank her family for all their support in her community theatre endeavors. She would also like to thank Cheryl Laskowski, the cast, and crew for the wonderful opportunity to broaden her community theatre experience.
Favorite Drink: My favorite drink in the summertime is a crisp minty, Mojito. In the winter I love a glass of wine in front of the fire.
Favorite thing about Decatur: My favorite thing about Decatur is that SAM’s is right off the interstate and of course Theatre 7!
Why see the show?: You should see the show because the story evokes a range of emotions, making you feel invested in the characters’ journeys.
Character: Randa Covington
Favorite Drink: My favorite drink is whatever is stocked up on my veranda when my friends come to visit.
Favorite thing about Savannah: My favorite thing about Savannah has got to be the magnificent architecture, some of which I am responsible for!
Assistant Director
Kat Solano
Kat is very excited to be assisting in directing The Savannah Sipping Society. She has learned so much throughout this experience and looks forward to directing a show of her own one day. Outside of theater, she enjoys performing in drag and other fun activities. She hopes you sit back, share a laugh, raise a glass, and enjoy the show!
DIRECTOR'S NOTE
As a second time director I want to thank you all for attending this funny, touching comedy. The writers do such a great job writing for and about women of all ages. I want to thank the cast and all the other women who auditioned for the play. You all made my job of choosing a cast very difficult. It is never easy telling someone that they didn’t get a part. You all did a wonderful job. I want to thank the board for choosing me to direct again, all the backstage staff who do such a great job and get so little credit and all the cast for making my job a joy. Sit back and enjoy the show.
Cheryl Laskowski
Director
Cheryl has been a member of Theatre 7 for over 20 years. She has served in many capacities from Board Member, Producer, Director, Costuming, Lighting, Props and Set Decorating. Cheryl has appeared on stage in The Man Who Came to Dinner, Dearly Departed, Drinking Habits and several others. Cheryl retired from the City of Decatur in 2023.