ONE-WOMAN JOURNEY: ‘True Confessions of a Failed Debutante' and what romance novels never taught us

Entering into the Ruth & Bucky Stein Theatre at Thalian Hall, we are warmly greeted by a mixed media exhibition by Wilmington artist Louise Curtin Ramseur. The pieces are warm and homey, with most based in textiles, quilting, and weaving, and with a palette that would be at home in any comfy space. 

In the theatre itself, we find a sparse stage with a small platform upstage, and a stool and chair flanking the playing area downstage. On the platform is a quilt, which we’ll find plays many roles; from its intended purpose, to elementary school angel wings, to various iterations of grandiose gowns, and general costumery.

The play itself is a one-woman show, written and performed by Beth Ann Bryant-Richards. The story spans her life, from a young girl in Rocky Mount, frustrated by the lack of professionalism at her elementary school Christmas play, to dabbling in (and resigning from) the world of the Southern Debutante, to clubbing in Chicago with her gay best friend (GBF) Ken, and finally finding her loving and supportive husband, Ed. 

The show opens with a set from local comedian Chelsea Connor. Going in, the premise seemed odd, but her set was a nice intro to (and framing for) the voice of the play. As the show plays out, you’ll find the tie-ins with the comedy set, and they help land some extra laughs in the main performance. It also helps set the stage for some occasionally frank language. Nothing vulgar, though I did appreciate the artful use of the word “orgasm,” and I’m always game for a well-placed expletive in a well-written script. (Worth noting, this show is suggested for audiences 14 and up.)

The play itself begins with Beth Ann talking about her early life in Rocky Mount. The school play, an unexpected invitation, and an early appreciation for drugstore romance novels. 

Directed by Jen Ingulli, and lit by Hannah Funderburke, the staging fills the space, despite the singular cast. Each scene and light change creates a new space, while providing for one’s imagination room to build around the monologue. The disco scene, set to 1982’s “It’s Raining Men” by The Weather Girls, with the audience encouraged to join in, is a fun interlude. 

Beth Ann later finds herself in college in Chicago, where she befriends her GBF (every theatre girl has one, right?), Ken. They spent some nights (and sometimes mornings) out at clubs “with flasks and poppers,” and some nights in, listening to Sondheim on vinyl. 

The show does hit some serious notes though. There is discussion of substance abuse, and the AIDS Crisis, and the cost of just not moving on or taking a next step. 

To me, the show is about our lifelong journey, that I’ll call “place finding.” It’s approachable, funny, all too relatable, and something to think about no matter your age.

This show is one to see, and keep an eye on.

P.S. If you’re wondering why there are handcuffs in Beth Ann’s headshot, that’s because her husband was a cop. Ed is a former Chicago police Lieutenant, and a retired U.S. Army LtCol. He supported her in following many various opportunities and projects over the years, and helped bring this show to stage, in his own way. He was also in the front row opening night, and introduced himself as “the understudy.”

“True Confessions of a Failed Debutante” runs one more weekend at Thalian Hall, March 6 - 8, with evening performances at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

For tickets and more information visit ThalianHall.org.