The Actors Theater of Orcas Island announces five performances of “Southern Comforts,” a play by Kathleen Clark.

“Suzanne Gropper and Ron Herman portray a widow and widower in this charming play that explores the trials and tribulations of finding love later in life,” said director Doug Bechtel. “Gus and Amanda meet by accident and find common ground in baseball.”

Gus, a cantankerous old widower, is set in his ways and has become a very self-centered person wanting to be left alone since the death of his wife. Then he meets an outgoing, saucy Southern widow, Amanda, when she comes to his door to drop off church offering envelopes. Due to a thunderstorm, Gus grudgingly asks her to stay until the storm subsides.

“Their relationship has many ups and downs as they try to put away their personal preferences and preconceptions to find the happiness that has been absent from each of their lives,” said Bechtel. “Their relationship grows and deepens as they try to meld two different life styles and give up long held opinions to make the relationship work. Love conquers all.”

The two-person play, written in the late 1980s by Clark, has had many successful productions from New York City to Los Angeles with well known actors, including Dixie Carter and Hal Holbrook and more recently Michael Learned and Grandville Van Dusen.

“From laugh out loud funny to touchingly sweet this play is suitable for all ages, although it may not interest preteens,” said Bechtel.

Performances are 7:30 p.m. at the Grange on Friday and Saturday, June 3-4; and Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 10-12. Tickets are $10 at Darvill’s Bookstore, at http://www.orcasactors.com and at the door. For more information, contact Bechtel at doug@orcasactors.com.