There’s nothing funny about breast cancer. But those affected by it can choose to treat it with humor. As the tag line for “Pirates of the Chemotherapy” says: “Cancer tries to bring you down. Laughter lifts you up. Fortunately, only one is contagious.”

“Pirates of the Chemotherapy” is a new two-act play focusing on a support group for breast cancer survivors, presented through the end of June at Stage Right Studio in Woonsocket.

The show opens with a black-and-white film as Judith, a young mother, learns that she has breast cancer. What follows is a whirlwind of biopsies, consultations, surgeries and finally chemotherapy. As the pace picks up, the film takes on a vaudevillian quality and sets the tone for the rest of the show.  A humorous approach to a very serious topic. (Left: Doris (Connie Anderson) and Peace (Mary Concannon) share a moment)

The live action starts in the basement of a church as Nancy (Lydia Mattera) hosts another meeting of her breast-cancer survivor group. Judith (Roxanne Ladouceur) is there for the first time, along with Winnie (Ashley Dougan). Three other regulars – Karen (Emily Dery), Peace (Mary Concannon) and Doris (Connie Anderson) – are on hand.

Nancy is an organizer – she has her rules and everyone in the group has to follow them. Doris is the crusty one, naming her breasts Laverne and Shirley and providing much of the show’s comic relief. Karen is the quiet one, overwhelmed by it all. Peace is a throwback to the 60s, proud owner of an inner princess who considers her cancer a blessing. Winnie is hardened and bitter, a real glass-half-empty type. And everything’s new to Judith, who at first looks at her cancer as a nuisance interruption to her very busy schedule.

Despite their differences, the girls in the group bond together, and become pirates of the chemotherapy – donning eye patches and clutching swords – as they take on Karen’s husband after he leaves her and stiffs her with all the household bills. (right: Winnie (Ashley Dougan) and Karen (Emily Dery) discuss their futures)

The show deals with the side effects and aftermath of breast cancer and chemotherapy – the loss of body parts and functions, the loss of hair, the loss of intimacy. Ultimately, “Pirates of the Chemotherapy” offers a message of hope while stressing the importance of early detection.

The show is powerful and funny, drawing the humor out of the characters and not the disease. It helps that it’s perfectly cast, and is well suited to the black-box theater presentation.

Director Connie Anderson has turned the show into a fundraising opportunity for individuals and groups working to raise awareness about and fight various forms of cancer. Half of the $20 cover charge will go to the sponsoring organizations each night.