By Gina Gionfriddo
Directed by Peter DuBois
Playwrights Horizons
What is it about?
Catherine (Amy Brenneman) returns to take a job secured for her by old college flame Don (Lee Tergesen), now married to her former roomate, Gwen (Kellie Overbey), who stole Don while Catherine went abroad. The marriage isn't blissful, however. Gwen is trying to stay off the bottle while coping with a husband who needs constant encouragement to further his career. Catherine's success as an academic writing and speaking about women's rights is threatening to Gwen, who gave up her ambitions to stay at home and raise a family. She enrolls in Catherine's women's studies class, along with her babysitter, Avery (Virginia Kull). Also popping in is Catherine's mother, Alice (Beth Dixin), with some cocktails and advice for her daughter. What she suggests to her daughter is surprising -- that what Catherine really wants is a home and family with Don. Can the two women find happiness by swopping lives?
What are the highlights?
Strong performances across the board from the women. Gionfriddo (Becky Shaw) writes an intelligent script with humorous dialogue offering an insightful examination of women's choices, the women's movement (or lack thereof) and generational perceptions of what women want with a few plot twists to keep things interesting.
Alexander Dodge's nifty, quick-change set.
What are the lowlights?
Tergesen's less steady performance gets lost in the crowd.
More information:
Rapture, Blister, Burn plays through June 24 at Playwrights Horizons, 416 West 42nd St., NYC.
Performances: Tuesdays at 7 pm, Wednesdays through Fridays at 8; Saturdays at 2:30 and 8 pm; Sundays at 2:30 and 7:30 pm.
Tickets: $70 www.ticketcentral.com or 212- 279-4200 (noon to 8 pm daily)
Christians might also like to know:
-- Language
-- Sexual dialogue
-- God's name taken in vain
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