Exit Laughing by Paul Elliott

EXIT LAUGHING is a charming, surprising comedy by Hollywood writer/director/ playwright Paul Elliott.

At the play’s gentle core are three lifelong friends who are facing the loss of their “4th Muskateer.” Don’t let the premise fool you: EXIT LAUGHING is about embracing life and living it to the fullest so that when the time comes, one exits through the joy of having spent a life well-lived. (If you’re wearing a bright red dress and gold hoop earrings, all the better!)

The show has been described as “Steel Magnolias meets Golden Girls.” The vibrant cast of this By The Sea Productions’ season opener faces life head on and the laughs quickly follow. Through some clever surprise twists and plot points, these delightful characters learn some key life lessons from each other…and beyond!

Lisa Woske directs, having worked previously at SLO Little Theatre (now SLO Rep) directing numerous comedies and dramas, including Neil Simon’s Laughter on the 23rd Floor, Dinner with Friends, and It’s A Wonderful Life.

“I’m excited to be working with By the Sea Productions. Bringing live theatre to Morro Bay is a wonderful idea,” says Woske. “When BTSP approached me with this sweet script, I immediately said ‘yes.’ There is so much talent here on the Central Coast and to have another community theatre venue is a great gift to performers and audiences alike.”

The cast’s acting highlights include:

Marilyn Blake (Connie) has been acting on the Central Coast for years, primarily at SLO Little Theatre in Guys & Dolls and Steel Magnolias, as well as Neil Simon’s Rumors at Cambria Center for the Arts/CCAT.

Jennifer Blomfield (Leona) lives in Morro Bay and has performed lead roles in over 65 productions, working locally with SLO Little Theatre, Chameleon Productions, and Wine Country Theatre. She currently teaches Drama at Mission College Prep.

Janice Peters (Millie) – The Morro Bay resident/actor/director has appeared in over 30 productions in the past seven years, including Oklahoma!, Menopause the Musical, and Steel Magnolias.

Nicole Cortese (Rachel) has worked at Cambria Center for the Arts/CCAT, SLO Rep, and Pewter Plough Playhouse with roles in Guys & Dolls, Red Herring, and Period of Adjustment.

Greg De Martini (Bobby) has recently worked primarily at SLO Rep, with Reader’s Theatre roles in The Baltimore Waltz and The Great God Pan, as well as a role in the main stage musical, Oliver!

Jo Jackson is the production assistant/stage manager for the show. She has stage-managed dozens of shows for SLO Rep and most recently worked on several productions at Cambria Center for the Arts/CCAT.