Theater group to present ‘Social Security’
By Tracy Ouellette
SLN Staff
The Off the Square Players are busy ramping up production of their spring comedy “Social Security,” which opens Friday, April 13, at Ivan’s Backstage on the East Troy Village Square.
The play, written by Andrew Bergman, is being presented with special permission by Samuel French Publishing.
Mary Hubbard Nugent, of East Troy, is directing the adult comedy that features veteran actors John Roberts, Connie Gehl, Anne Wales, Brian Wales, Pam Jones and Tom Jones.
“The story is about two sisters, who live in New York, and have very different lives. One is married to an art dealer and the other is married to an accountant,” Nugent said. “The mother of the sisters is living with the accountant family, but that mother needs to travel to visit her daughter in college, so the mother goes to stay with the art dealer family and basically wreaks havoc with their lives.”
Nugent said the comedy moments will hit home with anyone who has a mother or is a mother, “which is everyone.”
“I don’t want to give away too much, but everyone can identify with the situation and the stress,” she said. “It’s just a fun comedy to come and see and escape for a while. These are the common threads that run through all our lives.”
Chuck Dimick said their version is set in present day and has Gehl and Roberts portraying the chic art dealers.
“Their comfortable culture-filled lives are turned upside down when a mother-in-law is suddenly dropped off in their loft apartment. This particular mother is persnickety, demanding, outrageous at times and a hilarious character,” Dimick said. “There’s a bit of senior romance, head-butting, and quite a few surprises that lead to a satisfyingly happy ending.”
Nugent said one of the most rewarding parts of producing this play is getting to work again with these experienced actors.
“It’s a very solid cast and faces that the audiences who have been to our other shows will remember,” she said. “It’s been a lot of fun for me. When you have an experienced cast you can take things to a whole new level.”
Nugent said they’re also happy to be partnering with Ivan’s again to present the play.
“This is what community theater is about,” she said. “The support they give us means so much and we couldn’t do it without them.”
Nugent said the Players had big plans for the year, including some new projects to go along with their annual library show and holiday show.
“Stay tuned, exciting things are happening,” she said.
“Social Security” will be at Ivan’s Backstage, 2087 Division St., East Troy, on April 13, 14, 20, 21 and 22. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday performance is at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $15 each and available online at www.brownpapertickets.com.
For more information about the play, call 262-203-3887.
For reservations for dinner at Ivan’s on the Square before the Friday and Saturday shows, or before or after the Sunday show, call 262-642-7107.
