Calendar Girls, a comedic stage play based on a true story, follows six women as they pose partially nude for a calendar created to raise money for leukemia research. The play opens at the Center for the Arts on March 1 and runs two weekends.

This hilarious show, also told in the 2003 Miramax film featuring Helen Mirren as the lead character, takes place in England.

“This play is all about women supporting one another in the later stages of life,” says director Vickie Bailey. “There is no full nudity, just suggestive poses with inanimate objects like a tea set and pastries—it’s hilarious and fast-paced and sure to be a hit with audiences!”

The play tells the story of Annie (Connie Downer) and Chris (Denise Parton), who after the passing of Annie’s husband, John (Ryan Green), decide to raise money to buy a new, comfortable settee in the hospital waiting room. Together, they recruit four other women: Celia (Leah Williams), Cora (Wendy Travis), Ruth (Debbie Kraski) and Jessie (Layne Sasser). They, along with amateur photographer Lawrence (Mark David Williams), create an “alternative” calendar, which they will sell in order to raise the money.

However, news soon spreads of the ladies’ endeavor, and their small village is flooded with press, all eager to get the scoop. This tale of friendship, fame and learning to love yourself will take center stage in March.

The Center has partnered with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to raise awareness of their programs.

Calendar Girls plays at the Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays March 1 and 8, Saturdays March 2 and 9, and at 2 p.m. on Sundays, March 3 and 10. The Center for the Arts is located at 110 W. College St., Murfreesboro.

For tickets or more information, visit boroarts.org or call 615-904-ARTS (2787).