Lakeside Little Theatre's final show of its 49th season, "Social Security," written by Andrew Bergman and directed by Phil Shepherd, opened on March 28 and immediately had the audience roaring with laughter.
The curtain opens on the third floor apartment of art gallery owners David (Roger Larson) and Barbara (Candace Luciano) Kahn, on Manhattan's East Side. They live a wealthy lifestyle with only themselves to please.
Barbara's sister, housewife Trudy Heyman (Georgette Richmond), takes care of the sisters' termagant "Mum," Sophie Greengrass (Phyllis Silverman). Cheeseparing Trudy and husband Martin (Zane Pumiglia) live in Mineola. Accountant Martin, preoccupied with the value of the paintings in the apartment, constantly asks what they're worth.
The storyline develops when, without warning, the Heymans leave Sophie at the Kahn's and jet off to Buffalo to see their wayward daughter. While they're gone Sophie is introduced to famous nonagenarian artist Maurice Koening (Pierre Blackburn) who paints her portrait. After that ...? You'll have to see for yourself!Larson and Luciano are very comfortable in their roles and have some great lines. When Barbara comments on his behavior with visitors to the gallery, David replies, "I have to flirt, they expect it." Larson is convincing as the dark-suited successful businessman and master of the clever riposte. Luciano is a joy to watch. Always immaculately and appropriately dressed – except for the midday pajama debacle – she plays the more sophisticated sister beautifully.
Richmond goes from strength to strength and this role, as the dowdy, taken-for-granted, downtrodden carer, wife and mother, is one of her best. Martin's thoughtless comment, "… paintings are like sisters, one goes up in value while the other levels off ...", doesn't go unnoticed by Trudy.
Martin's incongruous bright plaid suit, trilby hat and brown shoes are an inspired and humorous touch. Pumiglia plays him very adeptly: bewildered at Trudy one minute and defensive of her the next. When, perplexed, he relates his daughter's comment, "I live for sex, everything is sex!" David drolly responds, "I've spent my life looking for a girl like that!"
Silverman is priceless as "Mum," playing her part to perfection. She effortlessly transitions between ghastly harridan and elderly coquette. Sophie's bolshevism when Barbara pleads with her to get dressed for an imminent dinner party is unforgettable – as are her antics which bring the house down.
Despite the age disparity, somehow Blackburn has absolutely nailed Maurice: deaf as a post and stooped he's charming and artistic with just enough twinkle in his eye.
Sentimental and risqué (occasionally plain vulgar) by turn, the laughs are almost non-stop. Bergman's script is full of brilliant one-liners, but from the writer of such screenplays as "Blazing Saddles" – winner of the Writers Guild of America Award for Best Original Comedy – it is surprisingly predictable and lacking in substance.
The ultra-modern set, designed by Dana Douin and Ann Swiston, is elegantly attractive with illuminated glass bricks marking the change in floor levels. Unfortunately, the size of the sofa-set is such that it gets in the way when the actors move up or down stage. Navigating between the trip-height glass bricks on one side and an armchair on the other is patently difficult, which becomes an inevitable distraction whenever anyone moves.
The set, exquisitely painted by Elizabeth Reinheimer and Maureen Hanright was beautifully decorated by Dana Douin and Win McIntosh. The impressive "painting" of Sophie was created by Patrick Dumouchel.
Wardrobe's Johanna Clark did a great job on the appropriately and well-dressed cast, who were assisted by dressers Elizabeth Reinheimer and Ann Swiston.
The backstage crew comprised: Stage Manager, Win McIntosh. Production Assistant, Sandy Jakubek. Set Construction: Alex Pinkerton, Chet Beeswanger, Rick Bleier, Neils Petersen, Joel Smith, Terry Soden, Rob Stupple, Ian White and Jeff Wright. Props, Vee Shelton. Lighting: Pierre Huot and Garry Peerless. Sound: Hallie Shepherd with Jim Jack and Karen Lee. Makeup, Season 49 Team.
It's a fun show to close Season 49. If laughter really does make the best medicine, then "Social Security" audiences are surely set up until next season, which will be LLT's golden anniversary!