Southern Comforts an Irresistible, Winning Performance at The Grange

A smile for someone to lean on -- Suzanne Gropper and Ron Herman in "Southern Comforts"

A review by Lin McNulty

Once again, Actors Theater of Orcas Island director Doug Bechtel has selected a play and cast that is a total winner. “Southern Comforts” is at once charming, delightful, and, oh, so endearing.

Before we get to the actual performance, let us just acknowledge the set, which transforms beautifully as our characters merge their lives. Color and content make for an effectual, impressively pleasant environment.

Characters Gus and Amanda are older, widowed, and find themselves together in an accidental situation they had not foreseen. Each is “set in their ways,” and it is both painful and a delight to see how they explore the possibility of blending their lives. Come prepared to laugh, to wipe a tear, and to witness and participate in the pain of growth as the limits of compromise are tested.

Performances by Ron Herman and Suzanne Gropper, both seasoned actors on the Grange stage, are stellar and evidence of the hard work they have put forth since November. Opening night can sometimes be a bit rocky. On this opening night, Herman and Groper nailed it. Can it get better? I don’t know how, but I intend to see.

“Southern Comforts” continues at 7:30 pm at the Grange on Saturday, June 4, and next weekend, Friday, June 10, Saturday, June 11, and Sunday, June 12. Tickets will be available at Darvill’s Bookstore, on-line (brownpapertickets.com), and at the door. Tickets are $10 each.