HUDSON — What to do in the golden years? Early bird specials, doctor's appointments, figuring out who to leave what in your will? Or maybe just take some time out for a few laughs about the situation.
A local production of Ain't Retirement Grand! might be just the ticket. The two-act comedy/musical opens June 2 at Show Palace Dinner Theater in Hudson. Written by Gulfport playwright-composer-lyricist Gil Perlroth, Retirement the Musical! is part of a Florida-friendly trilogy that's directed toward those entering or already in their senior years, along with Ain't Food Wonderful! and Ain't Sex Sensational!
Doing double duty in this local production is Pete Clapsis. He will direct and also perform on stage as "Man #1." Clapsis has 15 Show Palace performances under his belt and opened the season by directing Assisted Living — The Musical.
The music director is Matty Colonna (Marvelous Wonderettes at StageWorks Tampa, A Show Palace Christmas, Menopause the Musical.) Ellie Pattison (Pippin, A Doo Wop Christmas, Crazy for You, A Christmas Carol, Suds, Guys & Dolls) plays "Woman #1." Heather Krueger is back at Show Palace as "Woman #2." She has performed around the country and at several venues in the Tampa Bay area since her last Show Palace outing as Fastrada in Pippin. Rounding it out is veteran performer Tom Bengston, adding to his 20 Show Palace performances, taking the stage as "Man 2."
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