Stage Crafters Community Theater of Fort Walton Beach, now in its 38th season, presents critically acclaimed Sex Please, We’re Sixty, a comic drama filled with mayhem, mischief and mood swings. The witty American farce—written by Florida-based husband and wife team Michael and Susan Parker and directed by veteran actor John Guzalak—takes a look at what happens when there is a mix-up of libido-boosting pharmaceuticals. With a clever storyline and an expert cast, the production is sure to entertain, enlighten and revise anyone’s thinking about the sexual prowess of the sixtysomethings among us.

Sex Please, We’re Sixty takes place somewhere in New England at Mrs. Stancliff’s Bed and Breakfast, a vacation location where female guests return year after year. Seventy-year-old “Bud the Stud” lives next door and believes they must be re-visiting for another round of romantic romps with him. On the other hand, neighbor Henry Mitchell wants to settle down, but the woman who rules his heart is not interested. So Henry, a retired chemist, comes up with a little blue pill he calls Venusia to ramp up those cooled amorous fires in menopausal women. I wish not to be a spoiler and reveal all of the fun, but with a tricky twist the hot flashes, tears and off-the-wall reactions begin to appear in the men. Audience members cannot help but hoot and titter as attitudes alter and diehard differences and discrepancies disappear.

Though the troupe is younger than the characters they play, Guzalak believes it is important not to stereotype or cartoon members of the AARP set. He wants “real life representations though the circumstances may feel a bit farfetched.” He wants honest reactions and coaches his actors “to willingly give themselves over to and personally connect with each of their characters. The movement, details and responsiveness must be authentic. Rehearsal is a learning process, so we give and take a lot from each other.”

Today, with healthy lifestyle choices, working actresses like the respected and sensual Meryl Streep, and so many active older role models everywhere, there is no doubt that 60 is indeed sexy. So all you under-40s who eeww at the thought, re-think sizzle and go enjoy Stage Crafters’ newest production, Sex Please, We’re Sixty March 12-21 at the Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium.

Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30, with Sunday matinees at 2. Visit www.stagecrafters.com, or call (850) 243-1101 for ticket information.

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