The Waynesburg University Players presented “The Dearest of Friends” Thursday, Nov. 30,  written by Horton Foote. The play is about a woman leaning on her friends for support while trying to deal with her husband’s request for a divorce.

“The Dearest of Friends” brought the audience back to the 1920s in the state of Texas. Being that Texas is in the Southern United States, the actors had to incorporate a Southern drawl to fit the setting. For Matt Emerson, senior psychology major, mastering the accent was challenge in of itself.

“So, I had to speak in a southern accent,” said Emerson, “which I really was not good at, but I think we hammered it out pretty well.”

The One Act Play was a humorous play with a serious tone in the background. While there were plenty of laughs, the play contains the serious topic of divorce. Altogether, the play tries to communicate the idea that friends are important, especially in the darkest parts of someone’s life. Sara Lesher, a senior criminal justice major and the director of the play, explained that while the play is fun, it does have moral value.

“Friends are super important in our life,” said Lesher, “Even with our tough trials, we should always have that one friend that we can lean back on.”

The Waynesburg University players are usually directed by Edward Powers. However, for the One Act Play, Edward Powers allowed Lesher to direct this short production. Lesher explained that she wanted to expand from just a part in a play.

“I talked to Mr. Powers and I have always been an actor,” said Lesher, “I wanted to try something new.”

While “The Dearest of Friends” was fronted by the Waynesburg University Players, not all of the actors are part of the troupe. A couple of the actors are not members of the group at all. Emerson is one of these guest actors. He stated that it was “great to get back on the stage” and “act a more serious type of performance.”

“I did musicals throughout my time in high school and I am a senior now – and aside from being involved in the improve comedy group – I have never performed a play,” said Emerson, “So, I was just happy to be a part of realistic, different experience.”

While most people would have no inclination as to who Horton Foote is, Foote was a well-known name in the theater world. Foote handled the screenplay for movies like “To Kill a Mockingbird” and wrote plays like “The Young Man from Atlanta.” Like most people, Lesher had no idea how much of an impact Foote made in the play writing community.

“When Eddie [Powers] handed the script to me, I had no idea who he was either,” said Lesher. “Then he gave me the background and I was like, ‘wow, he is pretty big in the industry of acting and playwriting.’ So it felt good doing it, especially for my first time directing.”

According to Lesher, she “appreciates” the effort of the crew members and the cast in successfully executing the performance.

“I appreciate each and every person for taking time out of their night to come see my show,” Lesher said. “Everyone involved with the production put so much time and energy towards it, and it was nice to see it was well-attended.”