L-R Kevin Bell, Duane Mercier & Karen Karen K. Temple – Courtesy of Ghost Light Photography. Used with peremission.
L-R Karen K. Temple & Duane Mercier – Courtesy of Ghost Light Photography. Used with permission.
I sorely regret that, until Thursday, I had never seen an Epilogue Players production and I am sorry to say that it has been entirely my loss. I had seen a 2017 Zach & Zack production of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” in the 50-seat theatre and loved the intimate space but had not returned since. That was until I attended a performance of “Morning After Grace,” by playwright Carey Crim.
Regarded by some as the “best kept secret on the local performing arts scene, the mission of the all-volunteer theatre founded in 1977, the group seeks “to provide a quality theatre experience for people of all ages, with a special regard to the inclusion of the senior members of our community. aca
The play is set in a retirement village on Florida’s Suncoast, A dramedy filled with pathos, it tells the story of two retirees, Angus (Duane Mercier) and grief counselor Abigal (Karen K. Temple) who have an alcohol fueled one night stand following a funeral and a neighbor Ollie (Kevin Bell). The twist, and there are many in this clever script is that the funeral was for Angus’s wife and Abigial, who sleeps with him because she thinks he is single until she finds out later that the widow’s wife was drowned and that it was her funeral where they met. It is also revealed that Ollie, who was once a semi- professional baseball player and a good friend of the deceased is a closeted gay man
L-R Kevin Bell, Karen K. Temple & Duane Mercier – Courtesy of Ghost Light Photography. Used with permission.
After a serious of hilarious misunderstandings and total confusion, the backstories of the trio finally are revealed after which they face their painful truths and take steps to change their lives. Dealing with adult themes, the play explores life, l0ss and acceptance, as well as issues that are common to the aging.
Directed, handily, by Michael Beason, the cast, all of whom were convincing, showed chemistry, with each demonstrating comic flair and finesse with their delivery and timing.
As far as the show’s elements including the set design by Andy and Mel Burnett and costumes and props by Therese Burns (who was also the show’s producer) , I found them impressive for a theatre with limited resources
Unfortunately, the play, which I found funny, touching and relevant closes Sunday so if you read this beforehand try to secure a ticket and take advantage of the opportunity to not only be highly entertained but to also support a small theatre organizaton with a rich history and legacy and admirable mission.
For tickets and information about Epilogue Players 2024-2025 season visit epilogueplayers.om
