By: Amy Modesti
TROY, N.Y. – Now that the 2026 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival has ended, horse race enthusiasts can take a moment to head to the James Meader Little Theatre to watch Harbinger Theatre’s 20th Capital Region premiere of the production of Amanda Whittington’s 2005 play, Ladies’ Day.
Ladies’ Day focuses on the love and friendship of four fish-filleting co-workers, Jan, Linda, Pearl and Shelley as they head to Ladies Day at the horse races. While they have an unforgettable day out at the track, secrets are spilled and friendships are tested to their limits.
A free preview showing Ladies’ Day will take place on Thursday, June 11, beginning at 7:30 p.m. The play, opening Friday, June 12 (7:30 p.m.), will run through Friday, June 19 at The James Meader Little Theatre, located at 65 1st Street, Troy, NY 12180.
Tickets for the show are $15. Tickets can be purchased at the door or through Harbinger’s website, Ladies’ Day.
The show stars Tara Huhn (Linda), Kitt LaPaix (Jan), Robin Leary (Pearl), Ashley Schuliger (Shelley), and Tobias Martin portraying the characters, Joe, Fred, Jim, Patrick, Kevin, and Barry. Huhn, LaPaix, and Martin are making their Harbinger debuts in Ladies’ Day.
Making her stage-managing debut with Harbinger is Jasmine Schatz. Rachel Stewart is also making her first-time directorial debut for Harbinger on Ladies’ Day.
“We are gobsmacked that this is our 20th Capital Region premiere in just four and a half years, thanks to Capital Region theater, the actors, audience, and media!” Harbinger co-founder Patrick White said.
Ladies’ Day Synopsis
“The play is set at the races, but it’s really about a gang of workmates and their friendships, lives, and bigger things than the races. I guess it was an opportunity to write about these sorts of characters,” Whittington said in an interview. “Four ordinary women have an extraordinary experience and without wanting to give it all away, they come very close to winning a huge amount of money.”
Whittington had attended horse races several times. For inspiration, she spoke to other people who have been to a race, as well as those who have attended a ladies’ day activity, since she wanted to draw on a variety of experiences for composing Ladies’ Day.
The horse racing culture in New York, and in Saratoga Springs, is very strong and to have Ladies’ Day translatable was easy for White.
“I did think that a play about escaping to the track might sound appealing and would fit well alongside all the Belmont excitement.” White said.
For those who come to watch the play on opening day are expected to have a good time as they watch five great actors having a blast playing these fun characters breaking out of their humdrum lives for a day and having an adventure at the track filled with booze, romance, and winning bets, he added.
Ladies’ Day Information
Ladies’ Day is rated PG. Although there’s no foul language or illicit situations, the subject matter may not be appealing to young children.
Royal Ascot Reception will be Saturday, June 13 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Prior to the 7:30 p.m. show, there will be light fares, soft drinks, and prizes for everyone in attendance. Food items to eat will include cucumber sandwiches, strawberries and cream and pickles, and sandy sandwiches.
The shows will be held on Friday, June 12, Saturday, June 13 (7:30 p.m.), Sunday, June 14 (2:00 p.m., Harbinger will hold an atypical Wednesday night performance on June 17 (7:30 p.m.), with additional performances on Thursday, June 18, and Friday, June 19 at 7:30 p.m. The first Talkback Friday session will be held on June 12 with Lisa Bryk as the moderator. Patrick White will moderate the June 19 Talkback Friday session. Both talkback sessions will be held after the Friday shows.
The James Meader Little Theatre is located on the Russell Sage College campus. It can be found at 65 1st Street, Troy, NY 12180.