BRITISH COMEDY: The cast members of “Calendar Girls,” which runs from January 3-12 at MCCC’s Kelsey Theatre, are ready to take the stage.

The Kelsey Theatre at Mercer County Community College (MCCC) and the Pennington Players kick off the New Year with the risqué British comedy Calendar Girls, a true story based on the lives of 11 Women’s Institute ladies who pose nude for a calendar to raise money for the Leukemia Research Fund.

Calendar Girls first opened at England’s Chichester Festival Theatre and later embarked on a national tour. Since that time, it has become the fastest-selling play in British theatre history.

The story begins when John passes away shortly after being diagnosed with lymphoma. His wife, Annie, and her friends resolve to create a “nudie” calendar to raise money to buy a settee for the hospital waiting room. To everyone’s surprise, the calendar attracts international attention, and the group’s new-found fame threatens a close friendship.

In keeping with the spirit of the true story that inspired the production, merchandise sold during the performances will benefit Capital Health Cancer Center. In addition, the Pennington Players will present a special fundraising performance for the Cancer Center on Friday, January 10 at 8 p.m., which includes a reception with appetizers and a silent auction from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The $25 ticket price includes the reception and show, with all proceeds to benefit the Cancer Center. More details are at www.calendargirlsbenefit.com.

Dates and show times are Friday, January 3 at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, January 4 and 11, at 2 and 8 p.m.; and Sundays, January 5 and 12, at 2 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is located on MCCC’s  West Windsor Campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road.

The community is invited to an opening night reception with the cast and crew on opening night, January 3. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and students. Visit kelsey.mccc.org or call (609) 570-3333.