Comedy ‘Jack of Diamonds’ Mines Laughs at Retirement Home

Hillsborough, NJ – “When I read the script, it was laugh-out-loud funny,” recalls Emily M. Windus, the director of the comedy Jack of Diamonds, opening June 7 as the Somerset Valley Players fourth production of their 52^nd season.

“The show is about a group of senior citizens in a retirement home who plot to take their revenge on an unscrupulous financial advisor who’s stolen their nest eggs,” explains Windus. “I work in health care with seniors and I know that older doesn’t mean any less intelligent or any less fun. The characters in this play are wildly entertaining and identifiable. They’re quirky and smart and at an age where they speak their mind.”

Due to its plot, Jack of Diamonds offers rich comedic roles to actors and actresses of ‘a certain age.’

“My cast is having a great time portraying these mature characters,” says Windus. “The characters say and do funny things, and my job is to make sure that the cast keeps things true and believable. It’s the cardinal rule of comedy – you have to take it seriously.”

Windus hopes that Jack of Diamonds has lessons for audience members of all ages: “When it all comes down to it, age is just a number. You’re never too old to make new friends, and experience – like diamonds – is priceless!”

Produced by Paula C. Windus, stage managed by Shannen Rivers, and sponsored by Ada and Francis Savarese, Jack of Diamonds runs June 7-23 at the Somerset Valley Players theater on 689 Amwell Road (Rout 514) in Hillsborough. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m. Sunday matinees start at 2 p.m. The theater is air conditioned, barrier free and wheelchair accessible.

For tickets and show times go to www.svptheatre.org.