|
Regional Reviews: Albuquerque/Santa Fe Social Security
The Adobe Theater seems to find these semi-famous authors whose plays are perfect for their older baby boomer audience, including yours truly. This is a play about learning to keep living as one grows older and embracing love at every age. The message is uplifting and the tight, well-directed and acted production is a delight. It's the mid-1980s in New York City where three nice Jewish couples are dealing with family issues. Specifically, one sister, Barbara Kahn (Clair Gardner), and her husband David (Jeffery Siddall) are upper-class art dealers in New York City, while the other sister, Trudy Heyman (jenny Miller), and her accountant husband Martin (Joel Daniel Miller) are solid middle-class Long Island suburbanites. Barbara and Trudy are trying to take care of their aging mother, Sophie Greengrass (Stephanie Larragoite), together but don't really agree on how to deal with her. The ongoing and seething disagreement comes to a head when the Heymans have to visit their daughter, who is involved in a sexual love triangle, at college. They leave their aging mother with David and Barbara who introduce her to Maurice Koenig (James Pinkston), an older, well-known successful artist. Sparks fly and love is in the air. The script has many clever double meanings as the couples discuss the daughter's sexual adventures and the activities of Sophie and Maurice. All the actors are adept at punching the lines with great comic timing. The entire cast has captured the style and essence of a screwball comedy. Director Lewis Hauser keeps the pace light and moves the action along. The two acts in two hours fly by. The physical aspects of the production are suitable and appropriate. Linda Wilson has designed a set and properties that reflect the uncluttered style of an upscale New York apartment. Riley Lewis' lighting is unobtrusive and bright. Costumes by Jason Godin are acceptable for each character but could fit the actors better. Given the limited space, choreographer Michelle Eiland does her best with two pivotal dances It is a handsome production with little extraneous physical things to get in the way of the action. It is not possible to single out any actor because they are all excellent. The cast includes Albuquerque veterans and some newer faces. They work together as an ensemble. Kudos to Stage Manager Ava "Mac" Gutierrez, who keeps the show on track. The minimal set changes are exceptionally smooth. This is an ideal play for the somewhat older crowd, but young people will appreciate the slapstick comedy. Give yourself some Social Security! Social Security runs through March 22, 2026, at the Adobe Theater, 9813 4th Street NW, Albuquerque NM. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2:00 pm, and two Thursdays March 5 & 19 at 7:30. General Admission $26.00. Discount Admission $22.00, Student Admission $17.00. For tickets and information, please visit www.adobetheater.org or call 505-898-9222. Directed by Lewis Hauser, Set and Props Designer: Linda Wilson, Lighting Designer: Riley Lewis, Costume Designer: Jason Godin, Choreographer: Michelle Eiland, Stage Manager: Ava "Mac" Gutierrez. The Cast: Jeffery Siddall, Clair Gardner, Jenny Miller, Joel Daniel Miller, Stephanie Larragoite, James Pinkston. |
