ENDEARING "SOUTHERN COMFORTS"

By Chuck Graham, TucsonStage.com

 

Pat Timm and Michael F. Woodson get to know each lots better in "Southern Comforts" at Live Theatre Workshop.

Prepare to be charmed by Live Theatre Workshop, with its production of “Southern Comforts” directed by Sheldon Metz giving gentle encouragement to senior citizens who find themselves living alone in their later years.

Thanks to modern medicine and the chaos of today’s culture wars that have turned society’s traditional roles topsy-turvy,  widows and widowers are living longer while divorce among the over-50 crowd has become quite common. Retirement is no longer a soft ride through one’s golden years with a loving companion.

The social media are hot wiring singles together who have children, stepchildren, grandchildren and complicated personal histories that would leave yesterday’s elders in terminal shock over today’s moral indiscretions.

None of that has been included in Kathleen Clark’s script, but it is implied as we see how it is impossible not to accumulate some substantial baggage by the time one gets to retire. Falling in love at 73 is much more complicated than falling in love at 17.

Clark sets her play on sweet southern church lady Amanda (Pat Timm) from the Appalachian mountains of Johnson City, Tennessee, who is visiting her daughter in upstate New Jersey. On an afternoon church errand Amanda stops at the door of Gus (Michael F. Woodson), bringing a Christian smile to his doorstep.

Grumpy old Gus, to be sure, will not be warmed by any voluntary acts of charity. But when a sudden shower forces Amanda to stay at Gus’ house a little longer than expected, they are forced into some awkward conversations as she waits out the rain.

Of course Amanda’s open southern manner is a whole new way of talking to the flinty Gus, hardened by his lifetime as a stone mason. On reflection, he kind of likes it. Not that he would ever admit it.

Woodson is a popular Tucson actor of long standing, and Timm a stage veteran relatively new to town. Together under Metz’ carefully shaded direction the couple’s friendship, so delicate in the beginning, develops both a believable chemistry and emotional momentum by intermission.

When Gus’ deliberately spare living room is filled with Amanda’s flowery furniture to start the second act, the audience is already laughing in anticipation of what will come next.

As we listen to these new lovers alternately bristle and compromise, risk personal feelings and wonder where the safe boundaries are, encourage each other while at the same time feel reluctant to give up to much ground too easily, thoughts of your  own aunts and uncles, other friends and relatives will come to mind.

So as Gus and Amanda find their way through “Southern Comforts,” they will be warming those moments of yours as well.

Performances continue through May 4 at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays, at Live Theater Workshop, 5317 E. Speedway Blvd. No performance April 20. Tickets are $18, with discounts available. For details and reservations, 520-327-4242, or visit www.livetheatreworkshop@gmail.com