P. J. Barry’s gentle comedy poses a significant challenge to a community theater group. Where do you find eight actresses who can blend into an ensemble without ending up with a few who seem out of place either in the group or on the stage? This troupe has succeeded. Each of the eight is a confident, capable actress and, under the direction of Charles W. Maloney, they mesh into a gentle sisterhood of subtle exchanged glances, comfortable interruptions and knowing asides delivered with familial good humor. This is not a play of big events but, rather, a collection of details and reactions, which creates an affectionate portrait of a family.

While none of the parts call for standout performances and the strength of the evening is the ensemble work of the entire cast, four of the sisters have the stronger parts and each is handled well. Nancy P. Dall eloquently communicates the pain of her husband’s adultery and Lynne Bouchard does the same with physical pain. Mary Tsakis allows the crotchety demeanor of the eldest to develop slowly. Susan J. Weber resists overplaying the comedy written for her character. Even the small role of the only man to make an appearance gets a smooth portrayal from Cary C. Quintana.

The design team matches the gentle understatement of the performances with substantial but restrained creations. Director Maloney designed the simple but solid set and Suzanne Reams came up with costumes that set the time and place without overstatement or flash. Garrett R. Hyde handled both lighting and sound design, coming up with an atmosphere of comfortable intimacy that works quite well.