‘Silver Foxes’ – A Heartfelt Comedy About Aging, Identity, and Chosen Family
Silver Foxes, the new comedy making its Michigan premiere, arrives with the pedigree of seasoned television comedy thanks to its writers, James Berg and Stan Zimmerman, best known for their work on The Golden Girls. Like that beloved series, Silver Foxes expertly blends sharp humor with poignant truths, offering both belly laughs and heartfelt moments. Directed by Matthew Rindfleisch and Gretchen Schock, this production is a warm, witty, and delightfully irreverent exploration of queer aging, chosen family, and defiant joy.
[Warning: spoilers from The Ringwald Theatre’s Silver Foxes are below!]
A most fabulous rescue mission in Silver Foxes
At the center of the play is a premise as hilarious as it is touching: two older gay men — Chuck (Lindel Salow) and Benny (Jay Kaplan) — stage a rescue mission to free their best friend, Cecil (Joe Bailey), from a homophobic assisted living facility, with the help of their absent friend’s much-younger lover, known only as “The Twink” (Justin Bugeja). Together, they retreat to a stylish, mid-century Palm Springs home, hoping to create a space where they can all live openly and fabulously. But this new domestic experiment is anything but smooth. Along the way, they navigate snarky real estate lesbians, the challenges of online dating in your golden years, and a literal swarm of stray cats.
The direction by Rindfleisch and Schock keeps the pace snappy, allowing the play’s campy one-liners and heartfelt monologues to breathe in equal measure. The chemistry among the cast brings to life the sense of camaraderie and long-standing friendship essential to the show’s success. Lindel Salow’s Chuck is the crusty but lovable cynic, while Jay Kaplan’s Benny brings warmth and neurotic charm. Joe Bailey’s Cecil brings impeccable timing to the show’s emotive core. Justin Bugeja as The Twink brings a youthful energy to the ensemble while Melissa Beckwith deserves special recognition for her versatility, playing a whirlwind of characters — from the scheming Trish to the flamboyant Miss Helene — with flair and comic precision.
Behind the scenes, the production design shines. David Wojtan’s small but well-utilized set captures the essence of Palm Springs chic — all sun-drenched color and retro-modern elegance. The home feels lived-in yet aspirational, mirroring the show’s themes of reinvention and self-acceptance.
Empathy and connection lie in the core of this Ringwald Theatre production
What elevates Silver Foxes beyond its sitcom-style structure is its deep empathy. It doesn’t just celebrate queerness; it honors the resilience of queer elders, many of whom came of age during more hostile eras. The play gently critiques the invisibility older LGBTQ+ individuals often face — especially within their own community — and asserts their right to love, lust, and live boldly. The idea of “chosen family” is central, and the show makes a compelling case that sometimes, the family you build is far more enduring than the one you were born into.
In a world increasingly obsessed with youth and heteronormativity, Silver Foxes dares to center aging queer men — with all their quirks, scars, and desires — and finds humor and humanity in the process. It’s rare to find a play that balances camp with genuine compassion, but this production does just that.
Whether you come for the laughs, the glitter, or the stray cats, Silver Foxes is a hilarious and heartwarming night at the theatre — and a must-see for anyone who believes growing old should come with more sequins and less shame.
This show runs about 1 hour and 40 minutes with a 10-minute intermission. If you have not yet been to the Ringwald Theatre, you can expect a small, black-box-style theater that sits inside the Affirmations Building in downtown Ferndale, offering audiences an incredibly unique experience in a space that is inclusive and safe for all.
Silver Foxes runs at The Ringwald Theatre until October 27, so get your tickets now before they’re gone for good! Have you seen Silver Foxes before? Planning on seeing it at The Ringwald Theatre? Let us know @BoxSeatBabes on all social media platforms!
Exclusive Interview: Lindel Salow and Jay Kaplan of The Ringwald’s Silver Foxes
