Inspired by her son’s sword collection and his love of writing adventure stories, Jena Reynolds penned her own romantic comedy.
“It’s girl meets boy. It’s a simple story; a romantic comedy that’s family friendly. Something that’s quirky. I don’t take myself very seriously. This show brings those elements together,” said Reynolds of “En Garde, My Heart,” which will be staged Nov. 7-9 at Uplift Performing Arts, 3814 Commercial Court, Martinez.
Reynolds has a background in theater. She studied it in college and has performed and stage managed for groups like Presidential Dinner Theatre.
She’s also been part of a local film group, creating short scripts and videos. Writing a play was something she always wanted to do.
Reynolds’ son started collecting swords at an early age. The first ones were made of foam, but when he moved to metal swords, she asked what he was going to do with them, suggesting fencing lessons. He’s also a swimmer and wrestler.
She also drew on those elements when creating her characters. The female lead is a fencer who meets a wrestler in the school play, which is about pirates.
Reynolds expects the show to be fun and entertaining for audiences of all ages.
Performances will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 7-8 and at 3 p.m. Nov. 9. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 military and students. Go here for additional information. Find Uplift on Facebook here.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years. She’s won multiple Georgia Press Association awards, is the recipient of the 2018 Greater Augusta Arts Council’s media award and was named Augusta Magazine’s best local writer in 2024 and 2025. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
