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WALPOLE - In no medium is the maxim "art imitates life" more true than in performance art. Plays are written to entertain, provoke thought and examine the human condition from one end of the spectrum (comedy) to the other (tragedy). Some of the best plays are those that draw the audience in for an evening of both. The Walpole Footlighters' current production, "The Dixie Swim Club," does just that.

Written by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten, "The Dixie Swim Club" provides the audience with over 20 years' worth of annual glimpses into the lives of five spirited women who met on their college swim team in the '70s.

There's Sheree, the perpetually perky organized team captain; Lexie, the cosmetic surgery- addicted femme fatale with a string of ex-husbands as long as her arm; Dinah, the humorously caustic and assertive attorney; Vernadette, the tragically comic victim of circumstances that no one person should ever have to suffer; and lastly, the sweet and innocent Jeri Neal. This play could be a considered a lighter "Steel Magnolias," with its conversational lines and larger than life characterizations of its women.

As Sheree, Linda Nelson is quite convincing as the uber-organized team captain. Her portrayal of the schedule-planning health food nut is right on the money. Sheree is the glue that holds these women together and Nelson does a great job showcasing that adhesion. On the rare occasion when her character gets to let her hair down, Nelson handles the transition beautifully, never losing Sheree's character.

As the larger than life Lexie, Cynthia Wegel easily steals the spotlight in many of her scenes. Her Lexie is fun to watch and irrepressibly fascinating in her narcissism and romantic escapades. Wegel has fantastic line delivery, mannerisms and timing; all necessary to pull off this larger than life character. Her dramatic turn is also well crafted. Nicely done. As Dinah, Ninette Cummings is well cast. Her Dinah is acerbic, intelligent, and pragmatic, just as the character is written. Cummings brilliantly handles Dinah's sarcastic and understated humor. Hers is the character which more closely resembles a real life persona, yet she manages to keep Dinah fresh and interesting.

Irene Bagdoian is a riot as the much put upon Vernadette. Her character is the embodiment of every woeful country song ever written. With some of the best lines in the show, Bagdoian doesn't disappoint in her deadpan delivery and comic timing. And when her character is faced with more serious moments, Bagdoian makes the transition with ease.

As the sweet, eager to please, Jeri Neal, Colleen Lavery does a fine job with her character's complexities. Her character's demeanor remains constant through the piece, placing her in the role of "straight man" for much of the production. Usually thankless, that role is integral to the humor. Lavery also handles her occasional "zingers" with aplomb, proving she can effectively do straight and funny.

Directed by Kay Carter Blaha, on yet another spectacular set designed by Roger Pettis, with perfectly timed light and sound effects, "The Dixie Swim Club" will make you want to dive right in.

"The Dixie Swim Club" runs weekends through Oct. 25. For reservations go to www.footlighters.com or call 508-668-8446.