Stagebridge Senior Theatre Company proudly presents Counter Attack!, Joan Holden’s 40th play, commissioned by Stagebridge, with the stars of her very first play returning to star in and direct this latest venture. Counter Attack!, inspired by Candacy Taylor’s book Counter Culture, pays homage to a classic, yet undervalued profession: that of the career diner waitress. The book follows several “lifers”–women in their 60s and 70s who are still out there slinging hash with the best of them. Inspired by these tales, Holden created this tragically comic tale of an aging waitress who tries to hold on to her job while a conniving young thing attempts to take her place. Joan Mankin stars as the lovable Marlene, bringing her years of experience as a clown and juggler to the counter to expertly portray a veteran waitress.
Like the book that inspired it, Counter Culture by Candacy Taylor, the play pays homage to an undervalued profession: career diner waitress. Taylor interviewed dozens of self-styled “lifers” to learn how women in their 60′s and 70′s can keep slinging hash and found that most love their work, make good livings and dread retirement. Mankin brings years as a clown and juggler, Lockwood brings years of performing farce, and Holden brings a years experience as an inept waitress to the story of 70-something Marlene’s triumph over 20-something Courtney, who wants her job.
Directed by Sharon Lockwood. With Arthur Holden in supporting roles, Bruce Barthol on guitar & bass and Dan Chumley designing the set. To read full bios for the cast and crew see Counter Attack! Cast and Crew.
Running time is approximately 2 hours, including a 15-minute intermission.
Ashby Stage
1901 Ashby Ave
(In Berkeley across from the Ashby BART station)
Wednesdays-Thursdays – $18.00 (7:30pm showtime)
Fridays-Saturdays – $25.00 (8:00pm showtime)
Saturday-Sunday Matinees – $22.00 (2:00pm showtime)
Special Events*:
- Talkback & Book Signing with Candacy Taylor, author of Counter Culture: The American Coffeeshop Waitress: Saturday, February 11, 2:00pm & 8:00pm
- Talkback with the Counter Attack cast: Thursday, February 16, 7:30pm
- Waitress Wednesday! Wednesday, February 22, 7:30pm
*Special events are subject to change. Check the website and Facebook regularly for updates.
Individual Tickets can be purchased through Brown Paper Tickets or contact our office at 510-444-4755
Group Rates Available
15+tickets = a 10% discount on the total
25+tickets = a 15% discount on the total
For group sales, please contact Jamie at 510-444-4755 xt 122
Preview Nights on February 1 & 2
Tickets available only at the door.
Wednesday, February 1 (7:30PM) - General seating. Pay What You Can.
Thursday, February 2 (7:30PM) – General seating. $12.00 at the door.
WANT TO SEE THE PLAY FOR FREE??
We are looking for USHERS to help out at each performance! We need help with taking tickets, handing out programs, collecting surveys and showing people to their seats. Interested? Please contact Heather Kellogg at 510-444-4755 xt 117. Please leave a message with your name, contact number and the date(s) and showtimes you are interested in ushering.