Parents' problems fill up "empty nest"

Margaret Britton (Helena) and Andrew Linn (George) act out a scene during Monday's rehearsal of the Le Mars Community Theater's production of "Alone Together Again." The play will run from 7:30 p.m. Friday through Thursday, June 5, with a matinee at 2 p.m. Sunday. [Click to enlarge]

That's what happens to Helena and George in the Le Mars Community Theatre's comedic production of "Alone Together Again."

"It's purely comedy," said Wayne Marty, who plays Pops, one of the parents. "There's kind of a lot of real-life lines, family tensions."

The plot involves Helena and George, who after 30 years of raising three sons, are enjoying the peace and quiet of an empty nest when unexpectedly three of their parents, Pops, Ruth and Grace move in.

The parents each have their own problems, like Pops is trying to figure out how to turn 80 and Ruth is having to deal with him. Those issues fall into Helena and George's laps, but eventually the parents leave and the couple is alone together.

Marlene Fitzpatrick, producer of "Alone Together Again" and playing Grace, said the parents' main problems have to do with aging, leaving Helena and George stuck in the middle.

"It's a very down to earth treatment of family dynamics," Fitzpatrick said.

The focus of the play is to keep the audience laughing, but there are some poignant moments that will capture hearts, Marty said.

"There's some emotional parts in terms of some of the tensions, but are usually resolved with some funnies thereafter," Marty said.

"Alone Together Again" was written by Lawrence Roman and has been staged on Broadway.

Cast members include Margaret Britton (Helena), Andrew Linn (George), Frances Krull (Ruth), Fitzpatrick (Grace) and Marty (Pops).

In 1997, the community theater produced "Alone Together" which dealt with Helena and George's empty nest being interrupted when their three children returned home.

Fitzpatrick said each of the plays performed by the theater are chosen based on their content and what will appeal to the audience.

"We know our families like comedies so we stick to that," she said.

The theater's production of "Alone Together Again" will run from 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 30 through Thursday, June 5 with a 2 p.m. matinee Sunday, June 1 at the Postal Playhouse.