BETHEL — Western Mountains Senior College “Prime Time Players” are gearing up for their fall performance at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20 and 21, at the Gould Academy McLaughlin Auditorium in Bethel.

Four short comedy plays will be presented. Director Jack Kuchta said most of the players are veteran thespians and “young at heart” with many years of experience. Kuchta will be assisted by Lorrie Hoeh, who worked with former director Ross Timberlake for two years.

Hoeh will direct one of the plays. She will also perform in a monologue, titled “Kindness of Strangers,” by Jim Gordon. This play is an important reminder about two things that usually happen as one ages. Seniors are often seen as easy prey by scam artists, but the seniors are just as often smarter than the scammers.

Another play with a similar theme, “Drinks with Charles,” by Jim Gordon, features Tim LeConey as investment guru Charles Fleming. He envisions a profitable evening touting his “can’t fail” investment strategies to three unsuspecting women — Sara, played by Roberta Taylor; Helen, played by Barb Dion; and Barbara by Tineke Ouwinga. Unfortunately for Fleming, past success is no guarantee of the future.

“A Tale That Wagged the Dog,” by Tim Kelly, won first prize for this comedy by the International Thespian Society and Dramatics Magazine.

In the play, Johann Strauss, The Waltz King, visits America on tour to the excitement and interest of the ladies. Meanwhile, Rudolph, the composer’s valet, played by Norman Milliard, does a thriving business selling locks of the maestro’s hair. However, the hair comes from Strauss’ little dog, Bobo. One after another, young women invade the hotel suite: Arabella, played by Barb Dion; Charity, by Roberta Taylor; and Prudence, by Pat McCartney. They are determined to have a lock of their idol’s hair. Rudolph’s shrewish wife, Trudi, played by Tineke Ouwinga, wants to end the deception. How Rudolph deals with the women makes this play a delight.

“The Bickersons” features Rosabelle Tifft and Jim McLean in an adaptation of the Dec. 27, 1946, radio broadcast of The Bickersons. It will be performed as it would have been in 1946, live and on the air. The Bickersons seem to be able to turn anything into a verbal war. Kuchta plays the announcer and sound technician.

Carole and Ross Timberlake provide invaluable support with costumes and lighting.

Western Mountains Senior College offers Senior College Players as a course. Now in its ninth year, most players are experienced, seasoned players, eager to help newcomers ages 50 and older who wish to join the class.

Admission to the performance is free. Donations will be accepted. An intermission will include cookies and treats in the lobby.

FMI: 207-824-2917.