Review: Dinner theater in South Lake Tahoe a real treat

For a second year, the Rotary Club of South Lake Tahoe has brought live theater to the Lake Tahoe Golf Course. This year, a production of Divorce Southern Style hits the stage created inside the clubhouse.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I received my tickets, but I was thoroughly impressed and the night was very enjoyable with a great three-course dinner and lots of laughs.

The golf course's brand new bar was unveiled on opening night of "Divorce," so it was the centerpiece before the food and entertainment. Beautifully done with copper and wood throughout.

Those attending Friday night had a choice of Top Sirloin with Cabernet Mushroom Sauce, asparagus and potatoes; Champagne Chicken with sides; or Shrimp stuffed Baked Cod with rice and asparagus. My friend and I split our top sirloin and cod and they were both excellent and perfectly prepared. Before the main course a salad was served and dinner was completed with a decadent chocolate cake.

But the real treat was on stage as the lights dimmed and the show began.

Directed by David Hamilton, seven talented local actors took to the stage: Karen Fink, Shelley McCarty, Anita Kelley, Jeff Whitt, Rebecca Stange, Kevin Sommerfeld and Brandon McCarthy.

This funny farce centers on the zany schemes of a middle-aged divorcee who decides that the time is ripe to get back together with her ex-husband as she is running low on cash. She schemes with her friend, a local author, to win him back. The evening is full of antics and comedy, wrapping up with a surprising end.

Anita Kelley stars as Eleanor Bander, the middle-aged divorcee attempting to get her ex-husband back. Eleanor is strong-willed and struggling to deal with a mid-life crisis.

Shelley McCarty stars as Elma Blue, the town's famous novelist and Eleanor's neighbor. Elma is sarcastic, very tongue-in-cheek with a great sense of humor.

Kevin Sommerfeld stars at Dr. Fred Abernathy, and optometrist who is bland, self-conscious, and possibly a little on the stalker side. Married, but seems to be okay with admiring other women.

Elizabeth Bander is played by Karen Fink. Elizabeth is Eleanor's daughter. Sharp, sensible, and somewhat stressed as her wedding date nears. Inherited stubbornness from her mother, and is shy of marriage, probably because her parents divorced.

Walter Bander, Elizabeth's dad and Eleanor's ex-husband is played by Jeff Whitt. He became a successful businessman after the divorce. Is smart, loves his daughter, can be swayed by emotion, but not often. Can be as stubborn as his ex-wife.

Brandon McCarthy stars as Vince Sigmon, Elizabeth's fiancée. He is a high school biology teacher. A genuinely good guy who has possibly reached his limit of patience.

Gretchen Hiller, Eleanor's competition in high school and Walter's current girlfriend is played by Rebecca Stange. She is gossipy and can't wait to flaunt her relationship with Walter in front of Eleanor.

Don't miss Divorce Southern Style!

There is one more dinner performance on Friday, April 6 and three evenings of tapas and a show on March 30, 31 and April 7. The 3-course dinner and show evening is $50 and the tapas and show tickets are $30. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3339230. This is a fundraiser for the Rotary Club.