Rolling in the good times and bad (Derby Dinner Playhouse)

The Bunco Squad Rolls Again

Written and Directed by Jim Hesselman

Review by Kate Barry

Entire contents are copyright © 2026 Kate Barry. All rights reserved.

A group of women gather to play a dice game every month. Sharing community, laughter and a few tears, these bunco players are there for each other, win or lose. The Bunco Squad Rolls Again at Derby Dinner Playhouse shows a fun loving bond between six diverse women. Think Steele Magnolias in Southern Indiana, this sequel to The Bunco Squad delivers good times and heartfelt sentiment along the way.

In case your mother or someone close to you is not in a monthly bunco group, the game is quick and easy to play. Playwright and director, Jim Hesselman creates an established tradition within his squad of players. This tradition relies on the bonds between Dodie (Katie Blackerby), Ceil (Colette Mattingly), Helen (Tasha Hatchet), Juli (Heather Paige Folsom), Marian (Georgette Kleier), Allison (Sara King), Suzie (Kiersten Vorheis) and Ginnie (Brenda Sparks). The routine of picking a place for the game, arranging the furniture and snacks and winning prizes felt like familiar details, even for those who are not familiar with the game.

The script provides lots of jokes, references to Southern Indiana, specifically Seymour where the play is set, pratfalls and gags. The show opens with a four way call between characters. The timing and quick dialogue as these women attempt to connect the call felt very authentic. First act focuses on a surprise wedding shower with all sorts of shenanigans to follow while the second act returns to the monthly bunco game. As the stories unfold, the ensemble’s bond was palpable and felt realistic.

Even if you did not see the original installment of The Bunco Squad, enough contexts is given and choices are clear from the performers to keep you up to speed. The bunco game may seem like a simple old fashioned dice game but the way it keeps these friendships strong is a main theme throughout the play. Katie Blackerby as Dodie presents a heart felt “puzzle piece” monologue about these strong friendships. Blackerby’s performance of the hippie ex-librarian is naturally comical, yet the tragedy around her arc needed to be fleshed out as it felt to be jarring twist to the lighthearted action.

The strong comedic performances of this squad felt familiar and relatable. Sara King’s Allison enjoys her third marriage and delivers dialogue about who really wears the pants in the relationship with gusto. Georgette Kleier’s Marian is an over the top house wife right out of the suburbs. Kleier provides playful, physical comedy involving a bean bag chair that earned every bit of laughter it received. Heather Paige Folsom’s “wild child” Juli gives an emotional performance as she copes with a pending divorce and grandbabies, all while looking fabulous in glitter and festive prints. Kiersten Vorheis’ Suzie delivers alpha vibes whether she is playing basketball in her IU decorated basement, handing out antiseptic wipes or ranting about geo-fencing.

The audience on Thursday night was full of bunco squads from near and far. While the game may be seen as old fashioned or silly to a younger demographic, the bonds formed from playing the game are deep. The Bunco Squad Rolls Again shows how much a little fun and games can make lasting friendships.

The Bunco Squad Rolls Again

Derby Dinner Playhouse

January 7-February 15, 2026

525 Marriott Drive

Clarksville, IN 47129

www.derbydinner.com