Girls aloud: Civic opens 'The Secret Comedy of Women'

Rochester Civic Theatre is changing things up for their next production.

The company is following up its production of the racially charged drama “The Syringa Tree” with the contemporary comedy “The Secret Comedy of Women.”

“It’s like going from 'Schindler’s List' to 'The Lucy Show,' ” said Misha Johnson, interim managing director of the Civic Theatre.

That’s not to say laughter is frivolous.

“People really need that laughter right now,” Johnson said.

A two-person show originally produced for a short run in Colorado, "The Secret Comedy of Women" ran nearly continuously for two years at the behest of audience demand. Civic cast members Beth Regener and Amanda Ruggeri imbue a similar closeness with each other and build a familiarity with the audience in a black-box production that has no fourth wall.

“Because they are actual friends, it’s very natural,” Johnson said.

The play focuses on growing up and living as a woman in the U.S., with a sometimes tongue-in-cheek take on the progress women have made in society.

Civic is offering a “girls’ night out” with complimentary champagne and a gift basket of donated items and gift cards.

Despite the billing, men are welcome. In fact, men attending will get a couple moments in the spotlight (consider yourselves warned).

Audience participation is a big part of the production, which means every night the show will be slightly different. For now, crew members are doing their best to keep the cast on their toes.

The show opens Thursday and runs through Sept. 27, with evening shows Thursday, Friday and Saturday and two Sunday matinees.

What: Rochester Civic Theatre’s "The Secret Comedy of Women"

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, through Saturday, Sept. 19; 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20; 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, through Saturday, Sept. 26; 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27

Where: Rochester Civic Theatre

Tickets: $30 for adults, $20 for seniors and students. Available online at https://www.onthestage.com/show/rochester-civic-theatre/the-secret-comedy-of-women-3016/tickets .

More info: Masks are required on the premises at all times.

1/2: Amanda Ruggeri presents a history of women in rehearsal Sunday for Rochester Civic Theatre's upcoming production of "Secret Comedy of Women." The show opens Thursday. (John Molseed/jmolseed@postbulletin.com)

2/2: Beth Regener, right, and Amanda Ruggeri rehearse for Rochester Civic Theatre's upcoming production of "Secret Comedy of Women" Sunday. The show opens Thursday. (John Molseed/jmolseed@postbulletin.com)