Printer-friendly versionSend to friend “Vanities,” a comedy by Jack Heifner about three women who test the bonds of friendship, will be performed in Maryville College’s Alumni Gymnasium July 17-19 and July 25-26. The performances begin at 8 p.m. each evening. Heifner’s bittersweet comedy follows the lives of three Texas girls coming of age in the 1960s and 1970s. Chronicling the lives of characters Joanne, Kathy and Mary, the play shows the evolution of their friendship as each goes her own way. “Vanities” originally debuted at New York’s Playwrights Horizon on Jan. 15, 1976, and ran for four years at Chelsea Theatre Center, becoming one of the longest running plays in off-Broadway history. “Vanities” at Maryville College marks the debut production of the Appalachian Cooperative Theatrical Society (ACTS). It is being presented in cooperation with the College’s chapter of Alpha Psi Omega (APO), a theatre honor society, and stars MC alumnae Aja Rodriguez ’04 and Nicci Williamson ’08, along with current student Ashley Wise ’09. According to Sam Waycaster ’93, ACTS founder and artistic director, the new organization aims to provide a creative outlet for past and present theatre students, as well as members of the community. ACTS’ next production will be Robert Harling’s “Steel Magnolias,” which is another huge off-Broadway success. Waycaster said he expects performances to be held during the fall. “With the completion of the new Civic Arts Center on the horizon, ACTS is committed to continuing its partnership with Alpha Psi Omega, as well as the MC Theatre Department,” he said. “We hope to secure a permanent home in which to stage quality community theatre for Blount County and surrounding areas.” Dr. Heather McMahon, associate professor of theatre at the College, described a possible partnership between the non-profit and College’s chapter of APO as “an exciting venture.” “This kind of community-college collaboration could help make the CAC a vibrant and vital space,” she added. General admission seating for all shows is $10, and tickets will be available at the door. For additional information, people are asked to call the ACTS information line at 865.765.3609.