Tempe Little Theatre's Social Security at The Tempe Performing Arts Center
(out
of 
)Mark S.P. Turvin
(home office) (602) 912-0117
I can be reached for comment via e-mail at: mspt@goldfishpublishers.com
Reviewed 6/7/98
(out
of )Social Security is the perfect Community Theatre show. With its single set, six recognizable characters and confectionery plot, there's nothing to stand in the way of this slight script from being a success. And, true to form, Tempe Little Theatre has successfully mounted this theatrical homage to the sitcom, The Golden Girls in an enjoyable way. While the script maybe nothing but empty calories, like the sour balls to which the mother character is addicted, there are times in our lives when we have a craving for just that sort of thing, and TLT has done a good job of fulfilling that sweet tooth.
Andrew Bergman's play deals with the two adult daughters of widow Sophie. Barbara and her husband, David are successful art gallery owners living in Manhattan. They are loaded with sophistication, class and cash. At the opposite end of the spectrum is Barbara's sister, Trudy. Trudy is a housewife caring for her bland accountant husband Martin. They are loaded with simplicity, guilt and are caring for their annoying mother in their house in the 'burbs. When a funny (and somewhat vulgarly explained) crisis befalls Trudy and Martin, they are forced to trundle mama in from Long Island and palm her off on Barbara and David. The results are much different from what would ordinarily be expected, and much of the ensuing actions involves a 98 year-old world class painter named Maurice. Twists and cuteness abounds, and the point of the evening, that you're never too old, is compounded in every way possible.
Director Robin LaVoie has done a good job with pacing for this show, aware that the death knell for this play is time to think deeply about situations and their subsequent improbabilities. Ms. LaVoie didn't seem to be able to get her actors to project in the cavernous space, though her casting was generally solid.
As the sophisticated couple, Barbara and David, Catherine MacDowell and Dave Thompson did reasonably good jobs. Ms. MacDowell was the worst of the "quiet speakers," and she was hesitant at times, but she did well with most of her reactions and interactions. Mr. Thompson's voice was odd, more reminiscent of a radio announcer than a gallery owner, but he also interacted with the cast well.
As the curmudgeonly couple, Jennie Yeaman and Michael Hummel were also reasonably good. Ms. Yeaman did fare better than most, although she had the slight tendency to telegraph rather than feel some of her emotions. Mr. Hummel was a bit too quiet and set in his ways, and didn't give as much of a balance during a second act revelation of character as could have been done, but this didn't hinder the show all that much.
Finally, as mama Sophie and the painter, Maurice, Beveryn Swaim and Liam Murphy nearly stole the show. They believably performed the older characters, yet still managed to bring out their audacious actions in a very solid way. Ms. Swaim has an innate comic timing, and performed her character's integral transformation in a completely commendable way.
Kudos go to Sharon Gonwa and Bob & Dave Nelson for their very impressive set and lighting designs. The set looked wonderful, and gave the actors many interesting spaces and levels to work with, and the lighting enhanced the space perfectly. Jennie Yeaman's costumes also fit the situations well, although there is a difference between a suit as specified in the script and the sportscoat and pants combo as used.
As far as community theatres go, TLT has tended to fall squarely
in the middle of the bunch. While they don't have the facilities
and money available to other companies like TheaterWorks and The
Scottsdale Players, they have been able to present acceptable
works within their meager resources. This is the first time, though,
that I've seen a Tempe Little Theatre production that didn't need
justifications. While this production does have its rough patches,
the good definitely outweighs the bad. With luck, this is a hopeful
sign of better shows to come from this group.
Production Details:
Social Security by Andrew Bergman
Tempe Little Theatre, Tempe
350-8388
May 29th-June 13th, 1998