“Ladies Night”

What happens when a group of longtime friends gets together for a little wine, a little gossip, and a chance to reconnect? In Ladies Night, just about everything.

Arts Center Theatre will present a special free reading of Ladies Night, a new comedy by playwright Kristyn Estes, on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at 3:00 PM. The play will premiere as part of Arts Center Theatre’s Readers Theatre program, giving local audiences the opportunity to experience a new work before it reaches the stage as a fully produced production.

Admission to the reading is free, but an RSVP is required to reserve a seat.

The story begins when a group of women decides to revive their long-dormant elementary school club and turn it into a monthly “Ladies Night.” What starts as a fun excuse to get together quickly becomes much more. With themed evenings, costumes, drinks and plenty of gossip, old friendships are rekindled—and old grudges aren't far behind.

As the women navigate aging, marriage, changing priorities and decades of shared history, Ladies Night explores the messy, funny and sometimes surprisingly emotional reality of lifelong friendship.

Think Neil Simon meets Bridesmaids—fast-paced, heartfelt and unapologetically joyous.

For Estes, bringing Ladies Night to Arts Center Theatre is a particularly meaningful homecoming. Her previous play, “The Swingset”, premiered at Arts Center Theatre and went on to a successful run in the Chicago area. Following that success, Estes says she has received numerous requests to bring “The Swingset” to other venues.

“Given that, I honestly can't think of a better place to give Ladies Night its start,” Estes said.

What makes Ladies Night especially appealing, Estes believes, is how easily audiences can see themselves—or someone they know—in the characters.

“One of the things I love best about Ladies Night is its humor and its relatability,” Estes said. “Both men and women will recognize themselves in this comedy and, hopefully, find plenty to laugh about.”

Readers Theatre offers audiences a unique way to experience a play. Rather than a fully staged production, professional and community actors bring the script to life through a rehearsed reading, allowing the audience to focus on the characters, dialogue and story while getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse at a new work as it develops.

Whether you come with your best friend, your spouse, your sister—or simply come ready to laugh—Ladies Night offers a reminder that friendships may change over the years, but the stories, memories and laughter we share have a way of bringing us back together.