With summer drawing to a close and fall right around the corner, for many stages it marks the beginning of theater season.

The Little Theater of Norfolk is no exception. They began their season this weekend with the play Ladies First.

This two-act comedy is set in early 1962, just after Jackie Kennedy has finished a restoration of the White House. Quite nervous, she hosts a tea party for the wives of past presidents and vice presidents. Bess Truman, Ladybird Johnson, Pat Nixon, Mamie Eisenhower, and Eleanor Roosevelt make appearances, and all provide their own humorous (not to mention revealing) commentary on what Jackie has done to the old house on Pennsylvania Ave.

Though the play by Robert Gerlach and James McDonald (who also wrote Something’s Afoot) manages to keep its focus on Jackie Kennedy, The Little Theater’s production is something of an ensemble performance. The dynamic interaction between the all female cast showcases the talents of each performer. Each takes her place center stage, yet the balance–or the focus–never tilts too far from Jackie.

Don’t come expecting spot on recreations of Mrs. Kennedy and the other first ladies.

“There was a note from the author of the play which said he didn’t want the actresses to be exactly like the actual ladies,” said Lynn Rollins, who plays the queen of Camelot. “Just to resemble them.”

This allowed for a fresh and personal take on each of the characters on stage, and for each actress to bring out her own personal talents.

The director, Esther Robert, has done a fine job of maintaining the balance between the play’s comedic parts with some of the more serious issues raised by the play.

“I wanted it to be a comedy because that’s what it is,” explained Robert. “But I purposely didn’t take it to the comedic level I could have because I wanted to maintain some seriousness because the play talks about the important issues of women’s rights.”

Ladies First will run September 17-20, and 25-27.

Coming up for the Little Theater will be A Christmas Story. (Yes, that Christmas Story, with Ralphie Parker and his Red Ryder 200 Shot Carbine Action Range Model Air Rifle.) Auditions will take place September 21, 22, and 23 at 7pm at the theater.

Little Theater of Norfolk is located at 801 Claremont Ave. For tickets or information call (757)627-8551.