Cheat sheet
Father knows best? Mother is always right?
In the world of “Cheaters,” things aren’t so clear-cut — but they are a heck of a lot funnier.
This Michael Jacobs comedy, being staged starting Friday by Groton Regional Theatre, begins with a couple having that familiar debate: should they wed or just remain living together?
The couple — Allen and Michelle — each decide to go home to ask their parents for advice. This is where the farce-tastic comic complications arise: It turns out that Michelle’s father is cheating with Allen’s mother. Got that? Eventually, the couple and both sets of parents all gather for dinner — and try not to spill any secrets.
The GRT production, directed by Vic Panciera, features Fiona Machnik at Michelle and Brian O’Sullivan as Allen. Mark Fitton, Allison Thorpe, Andy Plasse, and Erin Machnik portray their parents.
Performances run on the next three weekends, with the Friday performances being dinner shows. The food sounds pretty delicious. Here are just a couple highlights: Montreal seasoned flank steak and blue cheese & rosemary mashed potatoes are among the offerings this Friday, and white wine poached salmon and asparagus with Hollandaise sauce are part of the menu on Aug. 10. “Cheaters,” Groton Senior Center, Route 117; Aug. 3-5, 10-13, 17-18; on Fridays, an individual can have dinner and the show for $20, by reservation only, with dinner starting at 6:30 p.m.; an individual can skip dinner and see the show for $12 Fridays, with a 7 p.m. arrival time; regular performances start at 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays; tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at door; tickets are always $15 for seniors; (860) 628-8478, grotonregionaltheatre@gmail.com.