Berkshire on Stage

I’ll admit that I was in a foul mood when I went to see Harbinger Theatre’s production of Ladies Day at the James Meader Little Theater at Russell Sage. My work day had been intolerable, the summer heat was scrambling my brain, and I tripped and skinned my knee on the way to the show. I feel this is important to note, because when I say that Harbinger’s Ladies Day lifted my spirits and left me with a smile on my face, I want to be clear about what a feat that actually was. Ladies Day is such a delightful, funny, feel-good production that it will put a smile on your face no matter what sort of mood you arrive at the show in.

The plot of Ladies Day is simple: four women who work together at a fish-packing factory go to Ladies’ Day at the Royal Ascot racecourse in celebration of one of the foursome’s upcoming retirement. What follows is a sort of British, working-class version of Sex and the City, as the four women bond, banter, drink, celebrate, and confess deeply-held secrets. The first act is quippy and clever, while the second act is much more heartfelt, but keeps the humor going.

There is no weak link in this production’s five-person cast. Robin Leary plays no-nonsense Pearl with poignant moments of vulnerability. Kitt LaPaix is prudish but tender as Jan, and plays her drunken bar scene to great comedic effect. Tara Huhn plays the shy and insecure Linda with just enough fire to keep the character interesting. But the star of the show is undoubtedly Ashley Schuliger, whose portrayal of the vain, brassy, and charismatic Shelley is a joy to watch from beginning to end. Commendations are also owed to Tobias Martin, whose breadth of talent is on display as a rotating cast of male characters. He is charming and sleazy as a television host, playful and lovestruck as a disillusioned jockey with a crush, and tender and romantic as Pearl’s paramour.

The costume design effectively sets the scene of both the fish packing factory and the race course. The Royal Ascot costumes are particularly enjoyable, with each woman dressed in finery that fits their character with coordinated hats in authentic British style. Shelley’s dress is particularly striking, while Linda’s is cute and youthful. Jan and Pearl’s costuming is more conservative and subdued, as they play the older characters, but Jan’s bright green hat still gets for a humorous gag in her bar scene.

Michael McDermott’s sets likewise set each scene. They aren’t overly complicated or detailed, but they are aesthetically pleasing and detailed enough to do the play’s various settings justice. With that said, the scene transitions take far longer than they should considering how relatively simple the set dressings are. It’s a minor flaw, but these dragging scene transitions do interrupt the flow of what is otherwise a compelling and well-paced play.

Despite the labored scene changes, Ladies Day is a thoroughly enjoyable play about female friendships and middle-class life that I can recommend to anyone looking for a funny, feel-good theater experience. If you’re having a bad day, Ladies Day is a perfect antidote; if you’re having a good day, Ladies Day will keep your spirits high; and if you’re in need of a few laughs, Ladies Day will deliver!

Harbinger Theatre presents Ladies Day by Amanda Whittington at James Meader Little Theatre, 65 1st St. Troy, NY 12180. Directed by Rachel Stewart. Runs from June 12-19, 2026. Produced by Patrick White. Stage Managed by Jasmine Schatz. Cast: Robin Leary as Pearl, Kitt LaPaix as Jan, Ashley Schuliger as Shelley, Tara Huhn as Linda, and Tobias Martin as Joe/Fred/Jim/Patrick/Kevin/Barry. Set design by Michael McDermott. Lighting Design by Laura Darling. Sounds design by Shaya Rayes. Property design by Jennifer Bart.

Performances are Wednesday-Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday matinee only at 2pm. Tickets are $15 for general intermission. Runs approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes with one intermission. Contains strong language, alcohol use, and brief discussions of sex, drug use, and infidelity. Recommended for ages 11+. Tickets are available online at https://harbingertheatre.ludus.com/index.php, or at the door for any performance.