SHERMAN — Stella Gordon vehemently believes that a house divided cannot stand. She ferociously protects her domain while her recalcitrant family dukes it out to get what they think they have coming to them. Thus is the premise of Horton Foote’s Dividing the Estate, now being presented by The Sherman Players.

Katherine Almquist is directing a compelling production of this play, written by one of America’s most iconic playwrights. Horton Foote has written prolifically of a time and place with honesty, humor and respect. Dividing The Estate allows the audience to witness the bridging of generations, cultures and priorities within the intimate confines of a family living room. The result is thoroughly engaging, entertaining and heartwarming.

In her waning years, matriarch Stella Gordon (being played in this production by Ellen Burnett) oversees the activity and interaction of her family, which includes her devoted and dependent daughter Lucille (Jackie Decho-Holm), son Lewis(Brian Feinberg), and another daughter, Mary Jo (Beth Bonnabeau). There is no chance of seeing eye to eye with this menagerie, as they grabble for their individual share of the family pie.

These dependents have long anticipated their cash payout and lived as though they have already pocketed it.

The next generation includes Emily (Erin Shaughnessy) and Sissie (Phair Haldin), offspring of Mary Jo and her scheming husband Bob (Leo Paul). Lucille is mother to Son, played by Jim Hipp, who has worked his way up to Estate Manager and, in the process, overseen the borrowing and pilfering against its capital.

Rounding out the family are the house staff: a charming and somewhat erratic elderly Doug (Julian Thomas), who has been with the family since Stella was ten. They have a warm, familiar relationship which is maintained within the boundaries dictated by the etiquette of an earlier time. Mildred (Christine Amorin) and Cathleen (Lorina Milay) are the domestics who keep the food coming and the houses cared for, yet never fail to insert themselves into the shenanigans of the family.

Making a late appearance in the play is Josephine Harding, playing Irene Ratliff, Lewis’s juvenile, burger flipping, philosophy spouting new girlfriend.

This is an ensemble piece which allows for each character to be portrayed fully. The entire cast takes the opportunity to develop and reveal their individual personas. They are all good.

In her role as Stella Gordon, Ellen Burnett gives a performance which should distinguish her as a Grande Dame of the theater. She mildly resembles Maggie Smith. In a perfect world she would be rewarded with a mantle full of gold statuettes. She is deep, soulful, funny, and age appropriately distracted. She is a master of her craft.

Jackie Decho-Holm imbues her Lucille with loyalty, wonder and innocence which make her endearing, yet she is not at a loss for humor. Ms Decho-Hom can make an entire audience guffaw with a raised eyebrow.

The brash and desperate Mary Jo makes a no holds barred attack as she tries to secure money to save her family from ruin. Beth Bonnabeau plays this role like a mother hen whose chicks are threatened. She has broad comedic talent.

Lewis offers diverse opinions of the feeding frenzy on the estate, after he sobers up. Mr Feinberg is entirely capable and convincing as the shy, socially challenged ne’er do well brother.

Another standout in this very competent cast is Julian Thomas as the aged Doug. His physical rendition of the elderly butler is authentic and complete. He is able to sound, appear and act like the relic he portrays. His performance is educated and exact.

The set is well designed and perfectly decorated to give the impression of a time gone by, which no longer jibes with the world around it.

This was a lovely night at the theater. I will confess Horton Foote is one of my favorites. This production was an homage to this most entertaining and insightful of playwrights. Don’t miss it.

(Performances continue weekends until October 12, with Friday and Saturday evening shows and Sunday afternoon matinees September 28 and October 12.

Call 860-354-3622 or visit ShermanPlayers.org for ticket details, reservations and other information.)