Mormon Missionaries, middle-aged parents, and a young, modern couple collide in this farce that serves up gender identity and hilarity in one tasty dish. “A mind twister, funny-bone tickler and knee slapper,” says Jeanne McCartin of Foster’s Showcase, who goes on to say, “It’s really quick, filled with a lot of smart repartee.”

Gender Bender was a success during its 2001 production at The Players Ring Theater in Portsmouth . Maryann Robertson of The Portsmouth Herald wrote, “The result is a laugh a minute, or second. And yet, amid the silliness is also some pretty darn good theater.”

Gender Bender, like most farces, is a story of misunderstandings. David and Betty are trying to hide the fact that they are living together from his parents. But his parents would be thrilled to know their son is living with a woman; they think he’s gay. Mormon missionaries come calling, a board game called Gender Bender is brought out, and revelations abound.

Robertson states, “The issues addressed in Gender Bender could be handled seriously. The script often flirts with weighty issues. That the script’s comedic bent keeps the audience laughing without becoming superficial is its real strength and charm.”

Gender Bender features Deb Malone, Jonathan Overby, Jeremy Banks, Geoff Hawes, Anne Freund, Jon Barron, and Kate Graycar. With special appearance by The Trainables (Kate Graycar and Paul Locke). Lighting Designer: John Tibbetts; Sound Designer: Nathan Leigh; Set Designer: David Miller; Stage Manager: Deirdre Benson; Assistant Stage Manager: Sarah Bingel. Directed by Anne Continelli.