Shakespeare’s fool Feste said “Better a witty fool than a foolish wit.” We hope he was right, because Neil’s Simon’s romantic comedy FOOLS is a play that plays with fools -- lots of them!

The townspeople of Kulyenchikov (an all-star assembly of T&G regulars including Cat Clayton, Andy Garrison, Shelley Marck, Kelly McGlaun-Fields, and Rebekah Williams) suffer under a 200 year curse -- Chronic Stupidity! -- that only young schoolteacher Leon (Town & Gown newcomer John Otwell) can break. He only has 24 hours to save them from the spell, though, or he’ll become a fool himself! Though the story is frolicking fun full of vacuous people (Beth Kozinsky, John Nettles, Sean Polite, and Jordan Watkins help round out the cast), the strength of the play is the optimism produced in seeking enlightenment through education.

The Town & Gown Players proudly present FOOLS, by Neil Simon, directed by Drew Doss, July 10-11, 16-18 at 8:00 pm, July 12 & 19 at 2:00 pm. Admission is $18/$15 students and seniors. Thursday performances 1⁄2 off. Call 706-208-TOWN (8696) for reservations. Performances are held at the Athens Community Theatre, 115 Grady Avenue, located off Prince Avenue behind the historic Taylor-Grady House, less than a mile from downtown.

Young Don Baker, hero of his mother's children's book series, "Donny Dark" has been blind since birth, his overprotective mother following his every move. Don finally decides to take his own apartment in Manhattan and pursue his songwriting ambitions. When she meets his kooky neighbor, sexy actress Jill, Mrs. Baker's controlling instincts go into overdrive with hilariously touching results.