Sarasota Jewish Theatre Presents M*A*S*H Writer Larry Gelbart’s Romantic Comedy “Better Late”

February 16, 2024 – Sarasota

Sarasota Jewish Theatre (SJT) is pleased to present the Florida premiere of M*A*S*H writer Larry Gelbart’s “Better Late,” a comedic riff on a December-December-December romance, March 13-21 at The Players Centre Studio 1130 at the Crossings at Siesta Key mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. To purchase tickets ($18-$36), visit ThePlayers.org or call 941-365-2494.  For information, visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.org.

The Florida premiere of M*A*S*H writer Larry Gelbart’s “Better Late” (March 13-21), directed by Carolyn Michel, is a romantic comedy with a twist. This December-December-December triangle begins with Nora (Nellie O’Brien) and her easy-going second husband Lee (Don Walker) who have been married for 20 years. When Nora asks if they can take in her acerbic ex-husband Julian (Lee Gundersheimer) for a few weeks while he is recovering from a stroke, the roller coaster of fun and fireworks begins. Family and relationship dynamics are further tested when Julian and Nora’s son Billy (Alex Teicheira) reveals that he is going through a divorce. What should have been a short, sweet visit becomes a test of wills and patience as Julian’s orchestrated relapses prolong his stay from weeks to months. The question is, will the best man win? And who is the best man anyway?     

Preview: March 13, 1:30 p.m.

Performances: March 13, 14, 16, 19, 20, 21 at 7:30 p.m.; March 17 at 1:30 p.m.

The season closes with Mark Harelik’s “The Immigrant” (May 1-12), a heartwarming true story of a life fulfilled in the “Golden Land” directed by Gus Kaikkonen. In rural central Texas, 1909, a young Russian-Jewish immigrant has sought refuge in the land of the free. He arrives in America through the port of Galveston and discovers a world of unknowns. The first miracle he encounters is a banana. He goes door to door selling this fruit, and eventually manages to buy a cart. Life changes when he pulls his banana cart into the village of Hamilton. Able to speak only Yiddish, alone amid a staunchly Christian community, he begs for shelter. Miracles continue to unfold over the next 30 year as religion meets religion, culture meets culture, and humanity triumphs over fear.

For more information, visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.org. To purchase tickets to the performances at The Players Centre Studio 1130, visit ThePlayers.org or call 941-365-2494.