Marriage isn’t always a barrel of monkeys, but you might as well laugh about all those tedious misunderstandings.

Local playwright Clover Bolden is putting all that tension on stage as a release, and friends and family may recognize themselves in “For Better or Worse,” her production to be performed at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at the Ramada Inn, 3801 Texas 73.

“It’s about getting the merry medicine of laughter. It does your heart really well,” Bolden said.

“For Better or Worse” is an “outside-looking-in” view of marriage, Bolden, the author and lead actress, said.

“I’m taking everyday situations and putting them on the stage. I want people to see that sometimes things are not as bad as what they seem, but they’re doing things pretty much okay,” she added. “It’s all about comedy. I’m tackling some of the most common issues in a marriage.”

Views include getting to the altar and a look through children’s eyes.

“This is a play that celebrates family, so everyone should leave feeling good,” she said.

Tickets are $15 and are on sale at Touches by D.L. Full Service Salon, 8755 Ninth Ave. Proceeds will help fund local environmental projects. Bolden expects U.S. Rep. Ted Poe (R-Texas) to attend one of the shows.

In the show, a man has “bombed” his anniversary and a woman learns that keeping her husband running home has nothing to do with Victoria’s Secret. A real-life Cupid takes her best shot when a hard-nosed boss gets a soft spot for his uninterested assistant. She’s a calculating woman who can be counted on to get her millionaire husband and you won’t believe where she found him, Bolden said.

“I believe in the Bible’s definition of love: ‘Love is patient, love is kind, love takes no account of a suffered wrong. It is my heart that families will be encouraged by what they see and hear at the play. The audience will have a chance to be on the outside looking in on situations they might relate to. I’m telling their life stories and I want them to see the humor and valuable lessons in them,” she said.

Bolden will be on stage with Chloe’ Bolden, Caylen Laday, Cameron Laday and Oliver Laday. The Rev. Roosevelt Payne and Quinlan Payne provide the music and vocals.

Playgoers can shop for Mother’s Day choices of scented candles, gift baskets, cosmetics, perfume, jewelry and more. Call 728-5465 or 728-6187 for information.