Art Shulman is back with a semi-lighthearted look at growing old, which, in case you haven’t heard, is not for sissies. This engaging play follows Jake (Morry Schorr) as he learns—from his son-in-law, no less—that he has been, not so politely, told he’s not welcome at his weekly pick-up basketball game. This news marks an end to an era, when retiring from his own company was not so bad as long as he had basketball. Everyone, from his concerned wife, Sheila (Jillian McWhirter), to his daughter Cindy (Brittany DeLeon), and son-in-law Don (played, the time I attended, by Jason Owsley) try to soften the blow. But the fact that he also needs to deal with his only daughter’s pregnancy and its complications makes for quite an emotional stew.
With his customary wit, playwright Shulman leavens what could be grist for “As the World Turns” with such humanity, we join in realizing that, although we’ll all be facing much the same problems, the fact that this family unit pulls together, shows the sort of resilience we all can applaud.
Stan Mazin, who directed Shulman’s last Behind the Curtain, has his hands full here, revolving the role of Don (Ezra Black alternates) into the rest of the cast.
As always, the Two Roads traditional living room set accommodates the action, augmented by Sammie Wayne IV’s lighting and Steve Shaw’s sound design, all executed by Jon Myers. Notable among the unattributed costumes: Morry Schorr’s basketball jersey, replete with splint on his right leg. Just try to go for a lay-up in that outfit!
Act Your Age continues at Two Roads Theatre, 4348 Tujunga Ave., Studio City, California 91602, through June 21st, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm; Sunday at 3 pm. General admission, $30; Seniors, $25 (promo code 007), and Students, $10.00 (promo code 220), or groups of 8 or more: $22.00 (promo code 080). Buy tickets at bit.ly/actyourage play, or at the door.
