The lives of two well-known retired actresses, who just happen to be bitter enemies and roommates will come alive through a comedic performance at ACTORS Studio, 120 Abraham Dr., this weekend.

“Waiting in the Wings,” late playwright Noel Coward’s final work, follows a bizarre but intriguing cast of residents, staff members and visitors of “The Wings,” a place where retired actresses go after their careers end.

The play marks the ACTORS Studio directorial debut of M. Burton Drexler, professor emeritus of music.

“I am very pleased with the production,” Drexler says. “I have a wonderful cast, and they are doing beautifully.”

Actress Annette Rowley, who portrays Cora Clark in the play, agrees with Drexler. She believes the cast brings a great deal of experience to the piece and an abundance of truth to the play as well.

Rowley thinks the truth in the production comes from the relationship each cast member has with his or her character.

“I think I understand Cora,” Rowley says. “I have found an awful lot of realness in her and I am having fun living in her shoes.”

Catherine Peet, who plays the part of Sarita Myrtle, says she uses a specific method to make her character come alive.

“I study the character and try to figure out what kind of person they really are and how they were shaped this way,” Peet says. “By doing this, it makes the character more real.”

Along with personal preparation for the production, Rowley says group rehearsal has also been important. The cast was chosen during the third week of February and has been rehearsing three times a week since.

“[Drexler] is very dedicated to the play,” Rowley says. “He demands a lot but is very kind and is an excellent director.”

The cast had been rehearsing Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons at the ACTORS Studio, but is now practicing to work out the last few details of the program.

“We are getting down to the wire now,” Peet says. “We will practice every night until dress rehearsal.”

Drexler says although this is his first experience directing for ACTORS, he is excited about the show.

“I am extremely lucky,” Drexler says. “I have some very talented actors and actresses who are making the most of their lines.”