New May River Theatre musical tells lies, like 'You Haven't Changed a Bit'
When May River Theatre's latest production "You Haven't Changed a Bit, And Other Lies" opens this Friday, it will be a departure from the traditional plays and musicals the Bluffton community theater has presented in the past.
"This one -- for us -- is so different," said cast member Barbara Clark. "It's different because the entire play is about seniors."
Written by father and son team Jerry and Steve Mayer, the play introduces the audience to three couples of different social backgrounds who met and married after playing softball thirty five years earlier.
Now the couples, who are all close friends, are getting ready to renew their vows.
Clark, who is a member of the theater's board, plays Audrey and said the theater picked the musical about "growing up at 60" because their audience, which tends to be a little older, could relate.
But the musical -- which she describes as "hysterically funny" -- may offer something for others as well.
"This show is for any married couple of any age," she said. "So if you're married, divorced or whatever, you need to come see this show."
Christine Grefe, the show's director, agreed.
"Anyone who has been in a long-term relationship might relate to what these three couples are going through," said Grefe, who also directed "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown," "Dixie Swim Club" and "Nunset Boulevard" for the company.
Grefe added that it's also about the ins and outs of making a commitment and sticking to it.
"It's about deciding what's important in your world," she said.
Something about that idea has already struck a nerve with theater-goers.
As of Friday, a full week before the show's opening, the musical had sold 10,000 tickets -- surpassing the theater company's goal of selling that many tickets by opening night.
The ticket sales were both surprising and exciting for Clark.
"This show is very poignant for me," she said, explaining that for many of the cast members who are in their 60s and 70s, the themes of aging and of struggling to stay married, hit close to home.
"The bottom line is, it's about that long-term commitment," she said. "And in this throw-away society that is refreshing to me."
IF YOU GO
"You Haven't Changed a Bit, And Other Lies" opens at 8 p.m. Friday at the May River Theatre, 20 Bridge St., Bluffton.
The show runs at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 22.
Tickets are $25.
Reservations may be made by calling 843-815-5581.
The play is not suitable for children.
The Capitol Steps
Another comedy, or at least a comedy group, started their three-night run at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina this week.
Just in time for election season, The Capitol Steps, offers up a hilarious brand of political satire.
The group, which started as Senate staffers, will perform at 8 p.m. Thursday Nov. 5 and Friday Nov. 6 and have added a 5 p.m. show also on Friday.
Tickets are $58.
For details, call 843-842-2787 or visit http://www.artshhi.com.
Follow reporter Mindy Lucas at twitter.com/MindyatIPBG.
Related content:
- Lucas: 'You win a few, you lose a few' -- either way, auditions aren't for the timid, Aug. 26, 2015
- Lean Ensemble Theater to open 'The Glass Menagerie' on Hilton Head, Oct. 15, 2015
- Art Notes: New music, new art makes for a jam-packed autumn, Oct. 8, 2015
This story was originally published November 4, 2015 at 9:16 AM with the headline "New May River Theatre musical tells lies, like 'You Haven't Changed a Bit'."