Last May, Highlands Cashiers Players gave the community a small taste of Social Security, a heartwarming comedy by Andrew Bergman, but had to close after only three performances when several cast and crew members were diagnosed with COVID.
This time around, a full eight-show run is planned for Aug. 21 to 24 and 28 to 31 at the Martin Lipscomb Theater in the Highlands Performing Arts Center.
“We had a different play scheduled in our August time slot, but after several patrons expressed their disappointment at not getting to see the show in May, we decided to bring it back and complete the run,” said April Getz, HCP president. “We already had sets, costumes, scripts, etc., and as a nonprofit theatre group, it just made sense financially. We want to be good stewards of the support we receive from our donors.”
“Social Security” is the story of sophisticated Manhattan art gallery owners, Barbara and David Kahn, whose orderly world is disrupted when Barbara’s sister decides she needs a break from caring for their elderly mother. As Barbara’s mother, Sophie, settles into the Kahns’ upscale life, she undergoes a surprising transformation after meeting an elderly artist. The play highlights themes of aging, family dynamics, and unexpected late-life romance. “Social Security” blends wit and warmth as it explores how even the most structured lives can be upended — and enriched — by family and love.
The play is directed by Donna Cochran. Cathy Myers is the stage manager, and Jayne Pleasants is the line coach. The cast of characters is comprised of three couples: Barbara and David Kahn, played by April Getz and Ricky Siegel; Barbara’s sister Trudy and her husband Martin, played by Lorine Spencer and Ron Leslie; and Barbara and Trudy’s mother, Sophie, and artist Maurice Koenig, played by Emily Wright and Matthew Eberz.
Thursday & Friday performances are at 7 p.m., Saturday shows are at 5 p.m. and the Sunday shows are 1 p.m. matinees. Tickets are available at HighlandsCashiersPlayers.com, or by calling 828-526-9047. The Highlands Performing Arts Center is located at 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands, NC.
