THE PLAY’S THE THING
This is the season of first ladies — one leaving, another entering the White House — and The Company Theatre in Norwell celebrates one of America's most extraordinary presidential better halves. The new documentary play, “She Did All That — Betty Ford: Speaking Out, Saving Lives,” by the South Shore's Lisa Rafferty spotlights a chapter in the life of a woman whose courage and honesty shattered societal taboos. A staged reading featuring a cast of eight, including Boston celebs, portraying more than 12 roles, including President and Mrs. Ford, White House reporter Morley Safer, Maria von Trapp and
Grace Slick is set for Feb. 9 and will benefit the Dana-Farber Institute's Susan F. Smith Center for Women's Cancers. The cast includes Joyce Kulhawik, Emmy- award winning arts and entertainment critic; South Shore film actress
Erica McDermott (“Manchester by the Sea,” “Patriots Day”); Kennedy Elsey, Mix 104.1 morning radio personality; Boston actress Maryann Zschau; Paula Markowicz of Divas With a Twist; stage veterans Kevin Fennessy and David
Giagrando; and “MOMologues” playwright and actress Stefanie Cloutier. Tickets are $30 for general seating and $50 for VIPs, which includes a post-show reception with creator Rafferty and cast members. For tickets or more information, go to companytheatre.com.