By DAVID EMANUEL Editor

"Social Security," a little-known play by Andrew Bergman, is a true gem.

The subject matter is a bit adult-themed, but the PG-13 rated show (for language and sometimes mature subject matter) should appeal to older, mature teenagers, and all those who are young at heart.

There's a little slapstick and a lot of heart in Bowie Community Theatre's latest product.

The cast shines in the show that takes place entirely in the upper West Side apartment of Barbara and David Kahn, played by a harried but brilliant performance by Maribeth Vogel Eckenrode and Jim Estepp, two artist socialites whose lives are suddenly overturned when Barbara's mother is dropped off on their doorstep by a tired-of-it-all sister, Trudy, played by Debbie Samek and her husband, Martin, played by Andrew Negri.

While all the performances were solid, it's in act two when Sophie, the mother, played by Michele Hitchcock takes center stage.

With every here-she-comes click of her walker, to her pitch-perfect delivery of classic one-liners, Hitchcock practically steals the show in many scenes, often turning things around with some truly heartfelt and life-affirming acting and delivery.

"Live life. And don't just comment on everything," says Sophie.

Maurice Koenig, a famous artist played by Rich Fogg, is a perfect gentleman in the part, and plays a nearly 100-year-old man with panache.

Director Estelle Miller says in her director's notes, "When the topic is old people, the subject matter usually centers on their aches and pains, Alzheimer's disease, who died, who moved in with their kids, the kids, and the list goes on and on.

"Not so in Andrew Bergman's hilarious play ... What happens here isn't depressing or surprising, it's lovely."

i couldn't agree more. This show could have been a simple, bawdy little show (the show clocks in at less than two hours, including intermission), but there is a lot of heart here, and it shows in the writing and the delivery of many of the lines of the cast.

You will leave the theater a little happier than when you came in.

"Social Security" runs Fridays through Sundays, through April 26. Showtimes are 8 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $15 general admission; $10 seniors and students Group rates are also available. Call 301-805-0219 for information, or visit www.bctheatre.com. Bowie Playhouse is located in Whitemarsh Park, off Route 3.