Date: Fri 30-Apr-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: SHIRLE

Quick Words:

TheatreWorks-Social-Security

Full Text:

THEATRE REVIEW: Clout & Comedy On Stamford Stage

(with cut)

By June April

STAMFORD -- Clout and comedy are masterfully combined in Social Security , the

latest offering at Stamford TheatreWorks' intimate theatre.

The play was written by Andrew Bergman, who was awarded the 1975 Writer Guild

of America Award for Best Original Screenplay for his Blazing Saddles. Though

the playwright holds a decorate in American history, the last 20 years has

been successfully spent as a film director, novelist, playwright and

screenwriter.

By combining the wacky genius of Mr Bergman with the insightful direction of

Douglas Moser and a cast that has an unbeatable sense of timing, the result is

a play that leaves audiences laughing and eager to call friends to encourage

them to go see the play.

As with everything presented at STW, behind the humor is substance. This is

the story of a family with an older mother who lives with one of her married

daughters . The other daughter, Barbara Kahn, is married to an art dealer.

They are childless and live an exciting and affluent life. Along comes the

crisis that turns all their lives upside down and sideways. What follows both

rings with truthfulness and hilarity.

The set -- Barbara and David Kahn's living room -- is filled with modern art.

The sculpture used in the play are the creations of Katie Sparer's husband.

She plays, with Buster Keaton dead-pan style, the tortured Trudy Heyman.

Portraying her conservative, money-conscience accountant husband Martin is the

actor Daniel Marcus.

The two older people in Social Security , Ruth Jaffe as Sophie Greengrass and

Michael Marcus as the prominent artist Maurice Koenig, are the heart and soul

of this play. The poignant treatment of their relationship and the

playwright's ability to bring laughter at the most unpredictable moment is

what makes this production so worthwhile.

In her dual roles as casting and manager director, Jane Desey has once again

selected perfect actors for the roles. Sam Guncler indeed looks like a

well-to-do art dealer and Carole Healey's manner perfectly suits the social

climbing yuppie wife. As the couple David and Barbara Kahn, the audience

watches their growth and changing values.

The double entendre of "social security" addresses the issues of financial

security and emotional security. Another crucial facet this play addresses is

the relevance of art to life.

To quote Director Doug Moser, "It takes the eyes of the artist to help people

see." Seeing this play will provide a memorable and delightful theatre

experience.

Social Security runs through May 9. For tickets and further information call

359-4414.