Three comedies and a drama slated for Penguin Repertory’s 2014 season

BY GEORGE J. DACRE

The gutsy little theatre in Stony Point says it will have a heaven-sent comedy, “The Savannah Disputation” by Evan Smith, as the opener May 16, running weekends through June 8.

Mary and Margaret forget all about Southern charm when a young evangelist comes knocking at their front door and will not leave. Faced with her persistent cheerfulness as she preaches how to dodge hellfire, the two sisters are forced to call in their local priest for backup. Crackling with wit, what unfolds, says Penguin, is an up to the minute comic look at faith and morals in the not so United States.

June 27 through July 20 it will be “Sex Education,” described as a daring new comedy by Lisa Levin. Meet Joe Marks, a basketball star whose college scholarship is suddenly in jeopardy when his profanity-laced note to his girlfriend is intercepted during a final exam. Meet Miss Edwards, his high school English teacher on her last day. In this hilarious homage to educators everywhere, Miss Edwards uses the note to teach Joe a lesson on life, love and the power of words. Profanity galore, This is a New York premiere.

From August 8 to August 31 it will be a comedy with songs, “The Fabulous Lipitones,” by Mark St. Germain and John Markus. When one of its founding members dies just before a competition, an a cappella singing group, together since high school, reluctantly recruits a replacement whose music and culture couldn’t be more different than theirs leading to a very funny story about what it takes to create real harmony. Markus was a writer for the Cosby Show and this is also a New York Premiere.

The season finale, September 19 through October 12, is the drama “Playing The Assassin,” said to be a gripping new drama by David Robson. Decades ago, NFL star Frank Baker was dubbed “The Assassin” for his brutal tackles. Now, down on his luck, he is offered the chance of a lifetime–an interview on CBS before the Super Bowl. But just when he thinks his luck has changed, Frank and his interviewer are blindsided by secrets and revelations. Inspired by a true story, this is an explosive look at hero worship and sports violence. Also a New York Premiere.

Penguin is also producing at SUNY Rockland Community College in Suffern, “Character Man,” a salute to Zero Mostle, Jack Gilford, Jackie Gleason, George S. Irving and David Burns, among others. Saturday, September 13; “A Jew Grows In Brooklyn,” Saturday September 27, an off-Broadway comedy musical hit and Maureen McGovern in “Sing, Sisters, Sing” on Saturday October 11.

For tickets to all contact Penguin at 845-786-2873 or www.penguinrep.org.