Next up for the Butler Little Theatre is a taste of summer in March with “The Dixie Swim Club,” a comedy/drama following five Southern women who became friends during their college swim team years and exchange their pool deck friendship for a beach house deck friendship each year for a week in August.

The show, by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten, is the directorial debut of Marianne Snider of Butler Township.

Working with an all female cast isn't as big of a challenge as the set is, Snider said.

“There are four scenes and each one must reflect a new time period, which means change. This puts a lot of pressure on our props crew to reconfigure items and create a new atmosphere that takes our audience from one decade to another. They rise to this challenge,” she said.

In the role of one of the friends, Dinah Grayson, is Sis Fleming of Butler.

“She is a strong, independent woman who is more successful in her professional like than she is in her personal life,” said Fleming.

“She enjoys being well accomplished in her career, but really enjoys the time that she gets to spend with her friends,” she added.

Fleming fell in love with the play when she was asked to do a brief presentation of it for members of the theater. She can relate to the ladies and the concept of having life long friends.

“I am blessed to belong to a group of five friends; we have known each other for decades and strive to get together a few times a year. I wanted to do this show for them,” Fleming said.

Playing the role of the former nun of the tribe is Stephanie Kobil of Butler.

“Jeri Neal is a nun who has had huge changes in her life and her goals. She can be somewhat naïve and mostly sees the good in people and situations,” said Kobil of her character.

Kobil's goal is to make the character a real representation of a naïve and perky person without making it overly comedic.

“I was intrigued by this story because of the parallels it has to real-life friendships and life experiences. I also was excited for the chance to work with a female director, Snider, who would be able to relate to the dynamics in this show in a very personal way,” remarked Kobil about the reason she auditioned for this production.

The mishap maiden of the bunch is played by Amy Dittman of Butler Township.

“If you looked up the definition of Murphy's Law, you'd likely find an unflattering photo of Vernadette Simms right next to it,” said Dittman.

“Despite the misfortunes that befall Vern at every turn, she has a delightful sense of self-deprecating humor and a real love for her friends,” she said.

Capturing Vern's dry sense of humor and balancing it with her true compassion for her friends is a bit of a juggling act.

“I like her spirit, her strength and her quick wit,” said Dittman who also has to master a southern accent.

“I found a clip of Dixie Carter as Julia Sugarbaker in 'Designing Women.' Watching her helped me to fine tune not only my accent but my understanding of Vern's enthusiasm for the South and its customs,” she explained.

India Hyde of Oakland Township plays the team captain of the group.

“She maintains the leadership role throughout their friendship. She's all about fitness and eating healthy,” Hyde said.

For Hyde this role is a debut as she has never appeared on stage before, but she liked the message of the play so she auditioned.

The sassy sister of the group is portrayed by Terri Schultz of Center Township.

“I am Lexie, a woman who is growing old with flair. She refuses to give into age no matter how many 'nips and tucks' it takes and is always searching for a new romance,” said Schultz.

“Lexie is a free spirit and says what she thinks. Despite growing old, she stays young in mind and doesn't dwell on regrets,” she added.

Schultz noted that her life as an attorney is stiff and rigid, so Lexie is a nice break from reality. “Lexie just seems to go with the flow and is much more carefree than I could ever be,” she said.

The show opens March 1 and runs through March 9.

WHO: Butler Little TheatreWHAT: “The Dixie Swim Club” by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie WootenWHEN: March 1 to 9, at8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and ThursdayWHERE: One Howard St.TICKETS: $13 online at Bltgroup.org or at the door 45 minutes prior to curtain.INFO: Bltgroup.org or call 724-287-6781