Broad humor and pointed satire are the calling cards of Bag Babies, a social satire about the homeless by Canadian playwright Allan Stratton. Pennsylvania's Bristol Riverside Theatre is giving the comedy its U.S. premiere, Feb. 8-27 (opening Feb. 10), to be staged by artistic director Edward Keith Baker.
An ensemble piece, Bag Babies takes shots at media, hypocrisy and social institutions. According to a Bristol spokesperson, the play -- subtitled "A comedy of (bad) manners" [sic] -- crosses 18th century restoration comedy with the dark satire of Jonathan Swift.
Other plays by Toronto-based Stratton include Rexy!, Papers and Nurse Jane Goes to Hawaii.
Natalie Kay Arazi, Mimi Bensinger, Kenneth Boys, Peter J. Macon, Dee Pelletier and Nick Ullett comprise the Bag Babies cast. Bart Healy designed the set, Scott Pinkney the lighting.
Tickets are $22-$29. Bristol Riverside Theatre is located at 120 Radcliffe St., Bristol, PA. For information, call (215) 785-0100. -- By David Lefkowitz
