Social Security
--Reviewed by Lisa Farrall

"Social Security" by Andrew Bergman is a very enjoyable comedy.  Peg

Girard has put together a strong ensemble that truly knows how to act

together.  Timing was right on.  The story involves two sisters, Barbara

(Chris Rower) and Trudy (Donna Furfaro) who are as different as night and

day.  Barbara is a successful art gallery owner while her frumpy sister

has chosen to stay at home in Mineola, New York to take care of their

mother, Sophie (Elaine Hoffman).  When Trudy's daughter goes off to

college and gets into some trouble, Trudy and her husband, Martin

(Chandler McRee), decide to have mother stay with Barbara and her husband,

David (Dana Blanchard) in their trendy New York City apartment.  At first,

there is much tension between Sophie and Barbara, but then David invites

an elderly well-known artist (Terry Girard) to dinner who hits it off with

Sophie.

As I wrote earlier, this cast worked really well together.  There were

some "tangle tongue" moments, but each actor went on with no interruption

to the show's flow.  Donna had the audience laughing with her dour looks

and general frumpiness. When she dumps a tray of appetizers in her purse

to take them home, the audience roared.  Elaine's initial arrival at

Barbara's and David's apartment was very funny.  Her transformation from

old lady with walker to stylish senior was great!  Dana kept the action

going by delivery of his quips.  Chandler was stodgy, yet comical, and in

the second act, his transformation made me giggle.  Terry was smooth as

the artist.

I thought the costumes (designed by Peg Girard) were very appropriate

especially those for Trudy and Martin.  Sophie's outfits really added to

her part.  The set, designed by Julia Smith, was a bit busy.  I understood

the point that Barbara and David were involved in the art world, but there

were so many paintings and objets d'art that the stage was jumbled. There

were also some areas of the stage that were not visible to everyone in the

audience.  In addition, on stage left, there was a glass door leading to

the kitchen area; however, when actors went into the bedroom through a

revolving wall, they could be seen through the glass door.  Lighting was

designed by Alan Selby and it was great. Wendy Reader did a good job of

operating the sound board.

“Social Security” is showing till 10 May 2009.  It is funny, but also

touching and you have to see it in order to understand that comment.

Comments (1)

	1. 27-04-2009 17:14
	Very nice reviw Lisa. I was sad I could not see the show since I was in another. Dana, Terry, Chandler, Elaine, Donna, and the rest. Good job. But with a cast like this, I knew you would be stellar. Lisa, love your reviews. Thanks for all the effort you put in them.    Gordo Registered

Gordon Ringer

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