Editor's pick: Politics makes strange bedfellows on the Rivoli stage

Author Beim to appear at August 23 performance of ‘A Marriage of Convenience’

WHEN: Thursday through Sunday, August 20, 21, 22 and 23; and 27, 28, 29 and 30

WHERE: The Rivoli Theatre at 437 Route 42, South Fallsburg, NY

COST: $15 for adults, $12 for 60-plus and $7 for students with a valid student ID. Friday night special is pay what you can.

CONTACT: scdw.net or call 845/436-5336.

SOUTH FALLSBURG, NY — The Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop will return to its long-time home, the Rivoli Theatre, which has been closed for restoration, with a presentation of Norman Beim’s comedy “A Marriage of Convenience.” The theatre is air conditioned and handicapped accessible. As a special bonus, the Sunday, August 23 performance will offer an opportunity to meet author Beim.

Gary Vincent (Wayne Kreuscher of New Paltz) is a successful author who plans to run for the Senate. He’s also gay. Advised by his friend and campaign manager Miles McKenzie (Oliver King of Kauneonga Lake) that he needs a wife to secure the support of staunch conservative Labor leader Patrick Bliss (Stephen Lavelle of Liberty), he arranges a “marriage of convenience” to his lesbian secretary, Diane (Heather Strauss of Glen Wild). As it turns out, however, neither of the pair’s sexualities are as completely set as they may have thought. Bliss’s daughter Bridget (Amber Schmidt of Hurleyville), who comes to work for Gary, causes a few more complications. “A Marriage of Convenience” takes the phrase “politics makes strange bedfellows” to a new level.

The play is directed by Harold Tighe of Kenoza Lake, with technical direction by Jim Schmidt of Hurleyville and stage management by Paul Puerscher.

Beim, a prolific writer of whom comedian Jerry Stiller says “you tickle my funny bone,” lives in New York City and will be attending the August 23 performance. He has offered to stay and do a “talkback” with the audience immediately following the matinee.

Tickets will be available at the door, but if you wish to order tickets online, visit ShowTix4U.com .