3-woman play “Fighting Words” this weekend only

The trio practices their lines at Redolencia Coffee Shop in downtown Ludington. Clockwise, from left, is Brigette, Nancy and Kathleen.

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief. 

LUDINGTON — While studying at college, Brigette Estola discovered a three-woman play, “Fighting Words” that she thought would be perfect for her to perform with her mother, Nancy Estola. The Ludington resident, who now lives in New York City, has come home to take part in the play, with her mother, this weekend at AM Galleries downtown.

The play will also feature Kathleen Dillon.

All three women are familiar faces on the local stage. Interestingly enough, it is also very likely the last time any of three will perform together here. While Brigette will soon by returning to NYC, Nancy is moving to southern California. Kathleen is going to be heading to graduate school in Chicago.

“Fighting Words” was written by Sunil Kuruvilla. It is based on the true story of Johnny Owen, a Welsh bantamweight champion killed in an infamous 1980 bout with Mexican boxer Lupe Pintor.

It revolves around three women who have been left behind in their small Welsh village of Merthyr Tydfil while the town’s men are away in Los Angeles to watch the boxing match. Nia, played by Kathleen Dillon, wants to escape her marriage and become a sports announcer with the BBC. Her unmarried sister, Peg, played by Brigette Estola, is an avid amateur boxer and has high hopes of marrying Johnny when he returns in glory. Their relentlessly cheerful landlady, Drs. Davies, played by Nancy Estola, finds her grasp on happiness is becoming more precarious.

“Johnny is actually the lead character even though he never appears in the play,” Brigette says. “The character is based on the real life champion Welsh boxer Johnny Owen.”

Nancy says the 90-minute show is appropriate for all ages.

The play will be Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets, sold at the door, are $10.