Kristyn Estes’s delightful adult comedy “The Swingset,” affectionately described by The Coastal Breeze’s Brad Shaw as “comedy gold from start to finish” and “a swingin’ good time,” returns by popular demand to the Arts Center Theatre on Marco Island for a special encore engagement. Audiences can look forward to performances on Thursday, August 28, at 7:30 pm and Friday, August 29, at 7:30 pm.
Hailed by critics for its big laughs and local color, this charming play finds retiree couple Jake and Abby navigating the challenges – and surprises – that come with island life and retirement. With wit, warmth, and a touch of cheeky island secrets, “The Swingset” invites audiences into a world of mixed signals, hilarious miscommunication and unexpected social encounters.
Kristyn Estes not only penned this engaging story – originally developed in the Arts Center’s 2022 play reading series- but also stars in this production alongside seasoned actor Fred Buchalter. Their onstage chemistry, combined with the play’s uniquely island-flavored humor, earned high praises during its world premiere run last year on Marco Island.
Fred Buchalter has spent over 45 years on stage as both an actor and singer. Some of his favorite roles include Mozart in Amadeus, Michael in I Do, I Do, Mr. Van Dann in Diary of Anne Frank and Oscar in The Odd Couple. Fred is also a longtime member of the Detroit Opera Chorus. Among his many productions with the company, Fred has had the privilege of singing in two world premiere operas and twice sharing a stage with Luciano Pavarotti. More recently, Fred has shared the screen with Corbin Bernsen, Tara Reid, and Dennis Haskins in several independent feature films. Fred is thrilled to have the opportunity to bring the character of Jake to life on the stage.
Local contributor Heidi Berge commented, “Both actors bring the characters to life as the audience hangs in anticipation for the outcome of their misadventures.”
Berge went on to write, “this hilarious comedy brings the audience just what live theatre should. Good acting, good script, and sitting on the edge of your seat to find out what happens next. It takes you somewhere, which is what we want live theatre to do.”
Kristyn is an award winning children’s book author and a nominee for Broadway’s World’s coveted “Best Play” award for “The Swingset” as well as in the “Best Director” category. Fred Buchalter also received a “Best Actor” nomination. Kristyn developed “The Swingset” as part of a collaboration with the Marco Island Center for the Arts.
Whether you missed the world premiere in 2024 or simply wish to experience the laughter and local charm all over again, this is a rare opportunity to enjoy one of the encore presentations of “The Swingset,” a hilarious evening of theatre.
Tickets are available online at https://www.marcoislandart.org/arts-center-theatre/ or by calling the box office at 239-784-1186. Price for members of Marco Island Center for the Arts is $35, and non-member tickets are $40.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.coastalbreezenews.com ’
