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January 28, 2009
Southern Comforts: Finding Love Again
Absolutely. When Gus Klingman, a somewhat stubborn, cranky New Jersey widower in his 70s meets Amanda Cross, a charming, vivacious Southern belle widow around the same age, sparks fly and comedy and romance take over, leaving audiences cheering for more.That's the plot for Southern Comforts, the new show at Market House Theatre starring Renie Barger and Tom Dolan (right). The show is sponsored by Paducah Bank and runs January 29-February 1 and February 5-8.
And don't miss Market House Theatre Curtain Call Auction, 7 p.m., Friday, February 13. The event features a live auction — including roles in the June 20 performance of The Wizard of Oz — a silent auction and more! $20, includes beer, wine, hors d'oeuvres from local restaurants and musical entertainment from the cast. (More details, right.)Volunteers Sarah Bynum, Michael Brewer and Anna Brewer got into the Oz spirit recently, visiting Lourdes Hospital, Western Baptist Hospital, US Bank and Paducah Bank to promote the auction. More details, right.
Here's What the Southern Comforts Cast Says About Love:
Tom DolanTom Dolan (Tuesday with Morrie) plays Gus Klingman, lover of baseball and hater of travel. He's stubborn, cranky and has lived in the same house his entire life.
"I was attracted to the show because I get to become someone totally different from who I am," says Tom, by day the Purchase Pennyrile Division director of the March of Dimes. "We all know someone who may have lost a loved one, and did or didn’t find another one to love and live with. I wouldn’t say this is a belly-laugher comedy, but it has some humorous and sentimental moments. These two have conversations that we don’t always think older people have, and it makes for some very funny moments."
Renie Barger Renie Barger (Doubt) plays Amanda Cross, a charming Southern belle widow who embraces life and change and travels to New Jersey to help out her grown daughter and grandchildren.
"It's a play about second chances and real love," Renie says. "The story appealed to me when I first read it because it reminded me of so many people I have known over the years. Anyone who has been widowed or divorced can relate to Amanda and Gus and their courtship. The character of Amanda is sweet but spunky, and sure gives Gus a run for his money. I like that about her."
Phil Counts Phil Counts (Tuesdays with Morrie) directs. "Love doesn't care how old you are," Phil says. "It's not just for young people. It's there for all of us, at any age.
"I'm in my 'twilight years,' and my love for my wife is stronger than it's ever been. I can personally relate to the characters' desire and hope for love. I also have friends who have found love in their 'twilight' years. Love is always wonderful and doesn't discriminate because of age.
"This teaches all of us about how compromise is necessary to make any relationship work. Any time two people decide to share life together, they must be prepared to compromise a bit. And, surprise, surprise, that compromise will make the love even stronger, because when you compromise that means you are considering your partner's needs and not just your own."
