BWW REVIEWS: SEX PLEASE, WE'RE SIXTY A Saucy, Senior Scandal

BWW REVIEWS: "SEX PLEASE, WE'RE SIXTY" - A SAUCY, SENIOR, SCANDAL!
By Michael and Susan Parker
Directed by Kathy Capelle
October 10th, 2013 at 8P.M.

If you yourself, (or anyone you know), have had Menopausal hot flashes, sweats, and erratic hormonal activity, you will relate and laugh yourself silly, at "SEX PLEASE, WE'RE SIXTY", a saucy, senior, scandal, now playing at Stage West Community Playhouse in Spring Hill, through October 20th.

I must give kudos to the play reading committee, for "knowing your audience", when selecting this production for your season opener. On opening night, the SOLD -OUT house was filled with eager seniors, ready to laugh and be entertained.

Michael and Susan Parker are Florida playwrights with several "American" farces to their credit. THE SENSUOUS SENATOR, THERE'S A BURGLAR IN MY BED, WHOSE WIVES ARE THEY ANYWAY?, among others. English born and raised, Michael Parker and his wife Susan, write plays that combine familiar British farce situations, into an American setting. Their plays are stereotypical, sex comedies, with over the top, bawdy, nonsensical plots. As with "SEX PLEASE, WE'RE SIXTY", the result is a great deal of fun.
The story takes place at Mrs. Stancliffe's, Rose Cottage Bed and Breakfast, in New England. She has repeat business (mostly women), who return to the cottage each year. Three women arrive on the same day, Victoria Ambrose, Hillary Hudson, and Charmaine Beauregard.

Mrs. Stancliffe's next door neighbor, Bud "the Stud" Davis, awaits the arrival of his "chicks", believing that the main reason these gals return each season, is to "romance" with him. Henry, another neighbor and wannabee suitor to Mrs. Stancliffe, is a retired chemist. He has developed "Venusia", a new pill, used to increase the libido of menopausal women, although it has yet to be tested. When Bud mistakenly takes the "Venusia", the bawdy, rollicking romp begins.

"Sex Please, We're Sixty" is broad comedy, played for laughs. In Act I, we meet and learn about the characters and the improbable situation. In Act II, the story and pacing come alive. As in typical farce style, the cast is going in one door and out and through another. The unexpected turn of events will have you laughing and shaking your head in disbelief.

The lights brightened on Set Designer, Kathy Capelle's sleek and contemporary style, unit set of the "Rose Cottage" Bed & Breakfast lobby. There was a front desk , cozy sofa, and an upper level, leading to a cafe table and chairs and a sideboard of refreshments, The lobby had 2 hallways, doors that lead to 3 bedrooms, as well as French doors that lead to the garden.

Karen Doxey, is the modest, perfectly proper, proprietress, Mrs. Stancliffe. Her "no-nonsense" approach to the role, allowed her the room to blossom in her character development (as revealed in Act II).
William Scott as Bud "the Stud" Davis, with his quirky walk and softly spoken charm, brought comedic flair to his performance, as the weak back, senior, sex machine. Mr. Scott''s physical comedy was a hoot.
As Henry Mitchell, a true gentleman caller, who is in love with Mrs. Stancliffe, Gary Depp is a lovable teddy bear. Mr. Depp is natural and honest in his role, and delivers a shining performance. He brought gales of laughter to "his" menopausal experience.

Terri Marwood, dressed in a pyscodelic, tie-dyed, moo-moo and leggings, as an "artsy-hippie type", plays romance novelist, Victoria Ambrose. Miss. Marwood's "crying jag" in her Menopausal breakdown, was truly funny.

Tall and leggy, Jacki Scott as Hillary Hudson, did an exceptional job, in a challenging "straight" role. She added just the right touch of spice, adding humor to her portrayal as Henry's ex- partner and friend.
Rose DeAngelo as "the southern belle, gone wrong", Charmaine Beauregard, played right to the audience in each scene. Miss. DeAngelo oozed sex appeal and provoked laughter with her southern cliché's, taks, and winks to the audience.

Director Kathy Capelle assembled a well rehearsed cast for this production. She used the levels of the set wisely, allowing the audience to focus on each scene without distraction. Miss. Capelle's use of stage "bits", "business", and physical comedy, was just what this farce required.

The Lighting Design is by Dan Bribag, Props by Rose DeAngelo and Costumes by Eileen Bernard. Stage Manager Sheryl Depp kept the show running smoothly.

So if you like farce and you want to laugh, "SEX PLEASE, WE'RE SIXTY" will fill your desires!

Please support Community Theatre and all of the volunteers, that put in endless time and talent, to make the magic happen, simply... "for the LOVE of the theatre". Go see it and have FUN! *For mature audiences
"SEX PLEASE, WE'RE SIXTY" runs October 10th - 20th, 2013
Ticket Prices $12.00 CALL - 352- 683-5113

The theatre is located at 8390 Forrest Oaks Blvd, Spring Hill, Florida
The next production at Stage West Community Playhouse is "Les Miserables", Nov. 7th - 24th, 2013

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