What I liked
The cast of four performers are extraordinary! These actors – Mikki Hernandez, Leah Jarvik, Amy Marcs, and Robin McDonald bask in the emotional rollercoaster of the script. Their connection to each other, the love, the tension, all feel genuine and believable. All are equally strong and gifted, though I have to praise McDonald’s comedic timing throughout the piece. She had the audience rolling with just a facial reaction or look.
Ann Noble’s direction is truly clever and innovative. From the way her cast moves and transitions to the music playing forward and backwards, no detail is left to chance. Even the special practical lights, blocking for thrust seating, set design, and use of props were thoughtful.
As for playwright, Perlmutter, his particular theatrical device of presenting the narrative in a non-sequential order was an intelligent move. While investigating what “normal” is, the audience is simultaneously seeing a play that breaks the mold in that regard. Kudos.
What I didn't like
I will admit that it took me a transition or two to realize this was not a strictly linear piece. The song playing in reverse along with the actors movements helped in this regard.
My overall impression
In Michael Perlmutter’s Polite Conversations and Wine, prodding, biting banter and non-stop wining serve up the drama family-style. In this case, it’s all about a couple, their mothers and the uncomfortable dynamic the four create. Speaking about dynamic, though, that is the most appropriate label for this play.
Bringing a child into the world is a reason to celebrate, right? What happens when the couple is lesbian and one of the partners is getting ready to serve in the Coast Guard? How much input do Mothers get to have in their daughters’ lives? These probing questions and others are explored in serio-comedic fashion throughout the hour-long show.
Not all “Ladies’ Nights” are grand ideas, as this play boldly proclaims, but that will not stop us from hoping for the best.
