The Column Online

SOCIAL SECURITY

by Andrew Bergman

Theatre Frisco

Directed by Kevin Ash
Set and Costume Design ? Kevin Ash
Lighting Design ? Jon Anthony Adams
Sound Design - Jon Anthony Adams


CAST

Trudy Heyman ? Sue Birch
Barbara Kahn ? Monica Champagne
David Kahn ? Matt Gunther
Maurice Koenig ? Howard Korn
Sophie Greengrass ? Alice Montgomery
Martin Heyman ? Bob Zak


Reviewed Performance: 3/13/2011

Reviewed by Kelley Vest, Associate Critic for John Garcia's THE COLUMN

It has been my experience that if you want to see a mature, modern play that stays true to the dialogue, you have to stay within the major Dallas theatres.

However, Frisco Community Theatre's production of Social Security by Andrew Bergman proves me wrong.

Mr. Bergman, the screenwriter to Blazing Saddles, gives us a story of a hip, affluent New York couple, Barbara & David, who suddenly find themselves taking care of Barbara's mother.

The dialogue in this play touches on the themes of love, sex, marriage and aging without holding any punches. Since this theatre normally caters to a more mature crowd, it is a nice surprise to see the director keep the jokes and the subject matter as it is.

The actors all do a lovely job telling Mr. Bergman's story with the class and sophistication the characters require. I hope watching the transformation of Sophie Greengrass , played by Alice Montgomery, brings a smile to your face as it did mine.

The stage is set in the round. Director & Set Designer Kevin Ash does a great job giving us a glimpse inside this sophisticated couple's apartment. Mr. Ash also does a great job blocking for though, at times, you do find yourself with the actors' backs blocking you from the action, that time is finite and honestly there isn't a bad seat in the house.

Light and Sound Designer, Jon Anthony Adams helps the scenes transition fluidly with seamless light changes and sound queues that hit their mark every time.

This play is smart and funny and one of the best ones I have seen in the past few months.

The word about this play is already out. Four shows are sold out with ticket sales for the remaining ones selling fast. Get your tickets soon so you do not miss out.

Social Security
Frisco Community Theatre
at the Frisco Discovery Center, 8004 North Dallas Parkway, Ste. 200
Frisco, TX 75034
Plays through March 26th

Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2:30 pm
Tickets are $15 - $19 and can be purchased at www.friscocommunitytheatre.com
or by calling 972-370-2266