Laugh ye heads off as St. Luke’s women put on play for new chapel

William Shakespeare's most famous heroines are meeting in Sequim.

William Shakespeare’s most famous heroines are meeting in Sequim.

Six female leads from "Romeo and Juliet," "Antony and Cleopatra," "The Merchant of Venice," "Othello," "Taming of the Shrew" and "Hamlet" will meet on stage for two shows at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church to benefit a new 24-hour chapel.

Church members will perform the one-act play "When Shakespeare’s Ladies Meet" by Charles George. It details how the female protagonists would react to the swooning Juliet after she falls in love with Romeo.

"The play is not quite as slapstick as how we do it," said Lou Yandell, assistant director.

"Let me just say, the casting drove us to it."

New 24-hour chapel

All proceeds from the production will benefit the new 24-hour chapel.

The Rev. Robert Rhoads of the church said the $120,000 project will be finished later this summer.

When finished, there will be two separate rooms: a

choir vesting room and the 24-hour chapel.

The church is open for parishioners 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but that availability will switch to the chapel when it is completed.

"Hopefully, it will be a place for all people and those in the nearby medical buildings for meditation and prayer," Rhoads said.

"Sometimes people just need a quiet place."

The new chapel will be blessed formally on Sept. 13.

Reach Matthew Nash @sequimgazette.com.

Chuckles for chapel

What: "When Shakespeare’s Ladies Meet"

Why: Benefit for St. Luke’s Episcopal Church’s 24-hour chapel

When: 7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 1; 3 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 2

Where: 525 N. Fifth Ave.

How much: $10, including a wine and cheese reception following both performances. Tickets available at the door, during church office hours or by calling 683-4862.