As Theatre of Dare heads into its 34th season, the local community theater troupe is opening with a direct shot on the funny bone with a classic romantic comedy called Social Security.
The play, written by Andrew Bergman, takes a lighthearted look at family relationships and late life romance. On Broadway, it featured the likes of Marlo Thomas, Ron Silver and Olympia Dukakis in the featured roles.
“There are a lot of funny moments, but also some heartfelt moments as well,” says co-director Adara Huls. “It’s one of those comedies that is both extremely humorous and somewhat touching.”
Set in the 1980’s, the play revolves around Barbara and Trudy (Leah Cribb, O’Anna Rose) two sisters who are dealing with their lonely octogenarian mother Sophie (Debbie Taylor). When Trudy and her husband Martin (Mike Mazza) become alarmed at their daughter’s sexual exploits away at college, they leave Sophie with Barbara and her art dealer husband David (Eric Nicholds) and the hijinks soon follow, egged on by the arrival of world-famous 98-year-old artist Maurice Koenig (Mike Campbell).
It’s a lighthearted start to an eclectic main stage season for Theatre of Dare, which will also include an adaptation of the Stephen King thriller Misery in November, punk rock musical Lizzie based on the life of Lizzie Borden in February, romantic dramedy Significant Other in March, and the Dolly Parton musical favorite 9 to 5 in May. Second-stage performances will include a live radio production of Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus at Dare Arts in December, and offbeat dramatic comedy Now and Then at the Black Pelican in January.
“We’ve got a little something for everyone this season,” says T.O.D. Board President Evan Tillett. “We’ve been preparing for the new season for many months now, and we can’t to start it off with this comedic hit.”
‘Social Security’ will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 20, 21, 26, 27, and 28 and Sept. with matinees Sept. 22 and 29 at 2 p.m. All performances will be at Theatre of Dare in Kitty Hawk, 3848 N. Croatan Highway. Tickets are available online at theatreofdareobx.com and at the door, subject to availability. This show is rated PG-13 for mild profanity and innuendo.