GULF SHORES, Ala. — Choosing how to live rather than how to die for five senior-age adults is at the crux of “The Whales of August,” which debuted Friday at the South Baldwin Chamber Theatre in Gulf Shores.

“The plot involves two elderly sisters, played by Candace Anderson-Hughes and Marilyn Cobb, coming to grips with life and the changes they face,” said SBCT director Joyce James. Anderson-Hughes, who is in her 20s, is playing the part of Libby Strong, the 86-year-old elder sister of Sarah Webber.

Make-up and latex prosthetics will be used to transform Anderson-Hughes for the play, James said.

Also included in the cast are veteran SBCT performers George Robson, playing Nicholas Maranov, a Russian emigrant who needs a place to stay; John Cobb, as Joshua Brackett, the interfering handyman and Cathy Danielson as Tisha Doughty, Sarah’s best friend.

“The Whales of August” will be presented March 8 and 9, and March 14, 15 and 16.

Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $12 for adults; $7 for students and $5 for preschool-age children.

These performances will be the first performed at SBCT’s newly renovated theatre.

The renovations should be complete by the first show, James said, and they include a new lobby, office and kitchen areas as well as a rehearsal hall and additional storage space.

SBCT is at 2022 W. Second St., across the street from the Bodenhamer Recreation Center and tennis courts.

For more information, call (251) 968-6721.