The Neshaminy High School (NHS) Drama Department held the first play of the year, “The Sweet Delilah Swim Club,” in the Black Box Theater from Nov. 19-22. The female-dominated play highlighted the bond of girlhood and brought together students, teachers, and parents across Bucks County.

“The Sweet Delilah Swim Club” follows five friends from a college swim team who meet together on the same weekend every year at the beach cottage, “Sweet Delilah,” as they enjoy time away.

Throughout the play, these friends navigate their lives together, giving advice and strengthening their bond. The group enjoys one weekend to themselves, dedicated to their friendship.

“No men, no kids, no work. Just us girls,” as quoted from the show. 

The show had two casts, on nights one and three, the cast was nicknamed “Sweet,” and “Delilah” was given to the actresses on nights two and four. The “Sweet” cast consisted of seniors Daphne Sucevic and Abby Kindness, sophomores Laila Boccella and Ava Roode, and junior Quinn Dickinson. On the other two nights, the “Delilah” cast was portrayed by freshman Seraphina Pale, senior Samantha Orleski, and juniors Alaina Rigney, McKenzie Johnston, and Olivia Massaroni.

At the conclusion of the show, the cast reflected with great passion on their experience with “Sweet Delilah Swim Club.” 

“My favorite thing about my character [Lexie Richards] was that she just got to express herself,” Roode voiced. “Almost through her actions, not necessarily even through her words.”

Many members of the cast connected deeply with their characters, some even gaining insight into the real world. 

“My favorite thing about Jeri Neal was probably her innocent kindness,” Johnston stated. “I think [her] kindness is something that people should strive to have in all of their friendships.”

Kindness, who played Dinah Grayson, was asked what her favorite character in the show was that wasn’t her own character.

“Vernadette, because she’s just so unpredictable and crazy. I just love her so much.”

Massaroni, who portrayed Vernadette Simms, was asked if this was her favorite show she has ever been in.

“Yes, because the cast, oh my god. The cast that I got to do it with, since it’s only five girls, we became so tight, …it made it a lot more emotional when it ended, ‘cause we were such a tight group.”

Dickinson, who played Sheree Hollinger, lamented her experience with the cast. 

“I will never forget my cast because they’re the people that make me who I am today.”

Being a part of “The Sweet Delilah Swim Club” allowed the cast to reflect on the experiences of the characters and the important themes of the show. 

“The most impactful moment in the show for me was when the girls were talking about how they lost Coach and made him proud,” Sucevic, who played Vernadette Simms, shared. “This moment really made me think of all the losses in my life, and how proud the person would be if they saw where I am now.” 

Massaroni said that the most special moment to her, along with some of her castmates, was the ending of the show.

“People realized that Dinah passed away, I have dementia, Lexie has had cancer, and everything just kind of hits close, and it’s heartfelt, because it’s a thing that could actually happen, and people have experienced it.”

Orleski, NHS’s Drama president, leaves us with one final remark, as the cast of “The Sweet Delilah Swim Club” closes the curtain on NHS’s first black box show of the year.

“All in all, G [Gina Chiolan, NHS Drama Director] picked a great show, and we could not be more grateful for Sweet Delilah.”