The cast of “Dixie Swim” is, from left, Jacqueline Love, Bridgette Jaakola, Denise Clark, Monica Nordeen and Faye Elder. (Teagan Sturmer photo)

MARQUETTE — “Dixie Swim Club” tells the story of five southern women whose friendship began on their college swim team.

Every year, they set aside a long weekend at a coastal beach cottage to rekindle those friendships and hash things out that have transpired over the last year, both good and bad. A story of powerful women, told and portrayed by powerful women.

And nowhere is the setting more perfect than Marquette’s very own boathouse theater, Lake Superior Theatre.

Harkening back to LST’s 2017 production of “Steel Magnolias,” this story reminds us that human relationship — fighting in the trenches of life’s battles, together, is what this journey is all about. And played by a familiar, brilliant cast of Marquette talent, this show is a must-see.

The play begins 22 years after college graduation and spans a 33-year time period, starting with the women in their 40s and ending with them in their 70s.

As the years pass, life begins to unfold and each woman, in her own way, deals with the curves that life throws at her. Aging, loss, romantic relationships, divorce, marriage and parenting, to name a few.

And, in the second act, when one member of the team comes face to face with her own mortality, they must rally together and prove that the love and strength of their bond will help them weather the storm.

A marvelous collaboration of talent, these five women bring such force, such distinct personality to their characters and to the stage, that you are truly swept up into the story.

We are first introduced to Sheree, brilliantly played by Jacqueline Love. Sheree, the spunky health-nut and once swim team captain, she is always with a clipboard and agenda in hand. It is clear that Sheree is trying to maintain a “perfect” life. Love captures every emotion — the death of a father-in-law, the thought of becoming a grandmother, with such grace and such grit. You are endured to her as she makes her way about the stage, acting as the team’s “mother hen.”

Monica Nordeen, no stranger to the stage, gives a brilliant performance as Lexie, a woman who loves getting married — over and over and over again. She is determined to hold on to her youth and beauty. Nordeen commands your attention, capturing the emotional complexity of this character as she reminds us, “Just because I’m vain and frivolous doesn’t mean I’m shallow.” And she truly isn’t. She is searching for love, something deep and real and long-lasting.

Denise Clark exudes strength as soon as she hits the stage, cocktail in hand, portraying the character of Dinah. A victorious lawyer in the courtroom, but struggling with her personal life, Dinah acts as the rock for this group. Clark is an absolute joy to watch, as she delivers her wise-crack jokes with honesty and shakes up martini after martini. Conveying Dinah’s journey with such captivating power, Clark is an absolute force.

Likewise, Bridgette Jaakola as Vernadette delivers her own share of jokes and personal jabs. Vernadette seems to be plagued with misfortune, with one child in and out of jail, one child joining cults and a husband who “hasn’t gotten off the couch in 30 years” you can’t help but be endured to this character. Jaakola captures her perfectly, adding in such strong emotions when discussing her life trials. So much so, that in the end, when her memory begins to fade and she turns and asks her friends “Did I have a good life?” you can’t help but burst into tears.

A new face to this Magnolia family, but a longtime veteran of the stage, Faye Elder brings to life the character of Jeri Neal. Deciding that her true life calling is motherhood, Jeri Neal leaves her home at a convent much to the surprise of the rest of the team. Elder is superb, capturing perfectly the sweet innocence of Jeri Neal and bringing to life a character that you can’t help but fall in love with.

Having been directed myself by Denise Clark, I can attest to the love and attention for detail she puts into directing. And this show is no exception. Clark has woven a tapestry of female friendship, not only with these women in real life, but so aptly shown on stage as well.

Also of mention is the beautiful set, lighting and sound design by Jim Pennell and Drew Sigal, respectively. All aspects draw you into the story and make you feel part of this “girl’s weekend” at the coastal cottage.

Truthfully, this story is about relationships. It is about raising the sails together when life’s storms hit us hard. These women come together in their trials, and rather than let the trials break them apart, they grow closer, they bond deeper. Because “if it’s not important, let’s not risk our friendship over it.”

“Dixie Swim Club” sends a very clear message that the point to this life is human relationship. It balances tears with laughter, growth with scars. It isn’t just a story about five women. It is a portrait of life. A mosaic of relationship and trials. Broken moments mixed with the strength of deep, meaningful, life-long friendship.

I cannot recommend it enough. “Dixie Swim Club” runs tonight and Friday as well as Aug. 20-23 at 7:30 p.m. with 3 p.m. matinee performances Sunday and Aug. 25. You can either call NMU EZ Tickets (906-227-1032) to reserve tickets or visit www.tickets.nmu.edu.

Bring your dearest friends and a box of tissues because you will cry and laugh and then cry again.

“Welcome to the club, we meet here every August.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: Teagan Sturmer is a local actor and director.