Above: Millstone’s Elizabeth Voss practices her part in the play “Fade Out at Clo-Achers” as the other actors in the scene look on during rehearsal at the Twin Rivers branch of the Mercer County Library System on June 7. Below: Roosevelt’s Karyn Grunwald (center) rehearses her lines in the play. PHOTOS BY ERIC SUCAR staff Berdanhand Productions is taking its audience on a revamped adventure into the lives of residents in adult communities in their play “Fade Out at Clo- Achers.”
The play was written and produced by two of Monroe’s adult community residents, Myra Danon and Meryl Berness, and is being directed by Roosevelt’sAlbertHepner. Performances will be held July 8-10 and 15-17, 8 p.m. Fridays, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays, at the Grange Playhouse, 4860 Route 9 south, Howell.
Having debuted in 2009 in Freehold Township, the play is “back by popular demand,” the producers said, and comes with some changes and even more entertaining material. Along with added material, the interpretation is a little changed, as a result of the new director. Hepner was asked to direct the show through a mutual acquaintance of his and the twoMonroe women.
Knowing his background and experience in theater, he was a good fit, the producers said. Though he hasn’t directed in 30 years, Hepner is no stranger to the stage and has an extensive background in the arts. He currently teaches writing at Kean University and Mercer County College.
“When you act and direct, you always think about going back to it,” he said.
After reading the script to “Fade Out at Clo-Achers,” Hepner knew that it would be an exciting opportunity to return to directing.
“It made me feel I can do it again,” he said.
He complimented the technical complexities of the script and said it was well produced.
“I loved how well it was written,” he said. “It’s a great spoof on us poor old guys living in these confined spaces.”
Both Danon and Berness were extremely excited at the feedback they received from Hepner and said they were humbled by his compliments.
“We felt honored,” Danon said.
As for the title, Danon and Berness have pointed out that the word “clo-achers” is a take on the word “cloaca,” which is an intestinal orifice of a reptile, and “achers,” which refers to people who “ache” in an adult community. The team of Danon and Berness joined forces at the Renaissance at Monroe adult community and had an instant connection. From politics to community activities, the duo began writing about all types of topics that find their way into the lives of active adults.
“We like to see the humor in things,” Danon said.
The play takes place around the clubhouse, where residents can be found playing cards and having conversations ranging from daughtersin lawto curbing the residents’dogs.
“That [dog curbing] is a big thing in these communities: Where is it? Where should it be?” Berness said.
Along with some mean-spirited retirees and gossiping gals, the play also has a science fiction aspect where audience members can witness the ongoing social experiments by the dedicated scientists who are trying to prevent the onset of mind decay known as disorientia, “a disorder that is just not good for anybody,” the producers said. People who can’t be cured of the disorder in the play are sent to a place called Last Stop, N.J., which could be a hint at a sequel for the writers.
“Those people are warped beyond repair (WBR),” Berness said.
When the play first opened two years ago, people would come from all over and swear that the play was depicting their community, because it was so relatable, the producers said.
The producers describe the show as a combination of Mel Brooks and Bill Maher with a touch of Seinfeld humor. “It was a labor of love. We had the best time,” Danon said.
Cast members of the play come from all over the area. Actors from Millstone, Roosevelt, Edison, Howell, Ocean and other Central Jersey towns have met and become instant friends.
“The chemistry of this cast is fantastic,” Danon said. “It’s become a family.”
“You would think they knew each other [prior to the show] the way they interact,” Berness said.
The women believe that the dynamic of the actors will help with the success of the play and also convey their message.
“If you look at life and look at things in a certain way, where the humor is bent, it’s not hard to make humor out of things,” Danon said.
As people get older and certain events happen, people will go through life choosing to laugh or to cry about it, she said.
“We choose to laugh,” Danon said.
The two producers are thrilled for the show’s comeback and invite audiences of all ages to enjoy the interactions and chicanery among the mature and not-so-mature residents of the Clo-Achers community.
“It’s a spoof of spoofs,” Danon said.
Tickets are $15. For reservations, call 732-768-2709.