Rom-com 'Later Life' in Spring City

Friday, February 11, 2011

photo Featured in "Later Life" in Tennessee Valley Theatre are, in front, Peter King, Harry Landreth, Joy Krause, Jean Burchette and Mary Pendergrass; second row, Minnie Wimmr, Leia Barker, Karen Slikker and Steve Orender; back row, Dan Frank, Ray Larkins and Chris Beam.

IF YOU GO* What: "Later Life."* When: 7:30 p.m. today and Feb. 18, 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Feb. 19, 2 p.m. Sunday and Feb. 20, Noon Monday.* Where: Tennessee Valley Theatre, 184 W. Jackson Ave., Spring City, Tenn.* Admission: $8 Fridays and Sundays, $18 Saturdays (includes buffet dinner); $16 Monday (seniors luncheon).* Phone: 423-365-7529.* Website: www.tennesseevalleytheatre.com

Tennessee Valley Theatre in Spring City will present A.R. Gurney's romantic comedy "Later Life" in six performances over the next two weekends. An additional Valentine's Day luncheon performance for seniors is scheduled Monday at noon (reservations are required).

The plot centers on Austin, who has spent his entire life convinced that something terrible is bound to happen to him. Then one night at a party, he rekindles a romance begun almost 30 years ago with Ruth, now a multiple divorcee. Ruth's personal life is in such turmoil that mutual friends look to Austin as Ruth's last shot at normalcy.

Comically, and sometimes painfully, these two people rediscover each other and themselves while a bevy of free-spirited party guests rally behind them.

The play features a cast of 12. Harry Landreth is directing.