It is never too late to try something new.

Margaret nicknamed Gary, is ready to take risks.  Whether throwing caution to wind by neglecting to wear sunscreen or a seatbelt, Gary is finally embarking on a lifelong dream – to ride the ultimate wave for her 77^th birthday in Santa Cruz, California…having never set foot in the water before.

With innovative and at times hilarious direction by Shana Gozansky as well as inviting lighting by Kat C Zhou, Gloucester Stage could not have chosen a more perfect time in its 45^th season to unveil the world premiere of Aurora Real de Asua’s comedy Wipeout continuing live and in person at Gloucester Stage in Gloucester, Massachusetts through July 28.  The production contains a mix of important and needlessly explicit language, adult themes and runs approximately 100 minutes with no intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

Surrounded by brightly colored beach balls on an aqua draped landscape, three women and one handsome teenage Santa Cruz Surf Skool instructor take to the waves depicted in a wooden pool like structure with sea turtles and various marine life painted on its perimeter.  The absence of water in Jenna McFarland Lorde’s immensely exuberant set design embellishes the humor and endearing moments in this production as rolling chairs carry surfboards.  Infuse Aubrey Dube’s immersive Pacific Ocean sounds and Wipeout transforms into one lively surfing safari.

Wipeout’s excellent physical comedy is hysterical as the group carefully wades through the ‘water’ in scrupulous and urgent strokes while each character balances on their individual board. In water shoes and matching surf skool t-shirts by Jennifer Greeke, Gary, depicted with captivating depth and bawdy audacity by Karen MacDonald, is excitable, adventurous, and a playful prankster but there might be more to that than meets the eye.  MacDonald’s more serious moments are equally adept in a glassy-eyed grimace or squirming consternation.  Supportive, wise, cheerful and grounded school teacher Claudia portrayed beautifully by Cheryl D. Singleton, shares true companionship with Noelle Player as haughty and glamorous with a bit of a chip of her shoulder Wynn and Gary through the manner in which they share memories, meanderings, insecurities, inside jokes, gossip and bawdy references at times with Golden Girls flair. They embody a solid, longtime, and intimate friendship through thick and thin.  This engaging trio fumbles to find common ground with Thomas Bilotta who is instantly likable as their patient, enthusiastic, and compassionate teenage instructor Blaze which is met with intriguing results.  Wipeout is full of surprises as well as stirring and authentic life lessons as each character explores instinct, life’s unpredictability, mortality, and what is really means to embrace life to the fullest.

With innovative and at times hilarious direction by Shana Gozansky and inviting lighting by Kat C Zhou, Gloucester Stage could not have chosen a more perfect time in its 45^th season to unveil the world premiere of Aurora Real de Asua’s dramedy Wipeout continuing live and in person at Gloucester Stage Company in Gloucester, Massachusetts through July 28.  The production contains a mix of significant and needlessly explicit language, adult themes and runs approximately 100 minutes with no intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.