The play “Southern Comforts” confirms that the cliché “opposites attract” pertains to all people who fall in love - no matter your age.
The comedy-with-a heart, is at the Lake Theatre in Lake George through October 22. It’s about a 70ish couple who meet, fall in love, marry and discover that the post-wedding period of adjustment is real at every stage of life.
It’s a light-hearted work that plays less than two hours, including an intermission making it perfect for a dinner-theater production. As a bonus, though the play doesn’t put stress on your brain cells, it does paint a thoughtful portrait of a couple who have come to a point in their life where change doesn’t come easy.
In “Southern Comforts” it is less easy for Gus Klingman, a widower who because of an unhappy first marriage, is reluctant to change his solitary way of life. However, the vivacious Amanda Cross is not only enjoyable company, she is also a sensitive woman who understands Gus’s fear of intimacy. Her accommodating nature makes her irresistible to Gus.
One of the charms of the work is that the conflicts are gentle and easily solved. Neither person is shown in a negative light. And though Amanda is clearly the better person, Gus is shown to have reasons for his grumpy nature.
Performances help foster the feeling of genuineness. Nancy Rothman is a delight as the vivacious Amanda. She prods Gus to get out of his shell without bullying him and is the good friend that enriches his life. It’s a fun performance that is full of life and joy.
Ron Komora offers a consistent portrayal of the more negative Gus. He shows that the man is unfamiliar with being happy and uncomfortable about caring for another person and not likely to change. Komora’s greatest achievement is that he keeps the man from seeming unlikeable. Because much of the relationship is developed off-stage between scenes it is tempting to wonder why Amanda is attracted to Gus. Komora’s honest performance – especially at play’s end - is able to make that choice understandable.
Terry Rabine’s direction finds the humor in their interactions and while the play is rarely fall out of your seat funny, there is always a smile on your face thanks to the engaging interaction of the couple. The play moves swiftly and the action never lags.
The meal beforehand is excellent. I enjoyed my Medallions of Beef, which had great flavor and taste. But one bite of companion’s Broiled Atlantic Salmon had me envious and regret that I didn’t order it as well. My meal came with a medley of seasonal vegetables and broiled potatoes. Rice Pilaf accompanied the salmon. A terrific Caesar salad started the meal and a very good piece of cheesecake with coffee made for a tasty finish. Service was efficient and friendly.
“Southern Comfort” is a charming piece of theater that has just enough substance to make it even more enjoyable.
“Southern Comfort” at Lake Theatre, Holiday Inn. Route 9 Lake George. Evenings Wednesday-Saturdays, matinees Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Through October 22. For tickets and information 306-4404.
Bob Goepfert is theater reviewer for the Troy Record
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