Sex With Strangers

Two character plays with multiple scenes have a problem maintaining momentum. Sex With Strangers by Laura Eason has a potential solution to this--simply, the costume and set changes are minimal, and initially non-existent. More, the characters as written leave us not only interested in what happens next, our interest grows. More than our interest, our investment because this play is no polemic but rather an exploration of an intense relationship--its birth and perhaps its end. Certainly it counts as a journey between two writers who meet at a snowbound writer's retreat once winter. Olivia (Melissa Center) is older, a teacher whose first novel's reception disappointed her so severely she now writes only for herself. Ethan (Jake Ferree) ... full review

Playwrite/Producer Laura Eason(House of Cards) hit drama Sex with Strangers premiered initially in 2011 at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theater, after successful runs, off-Broadway this intellectually stimulating production returns to the west coast for the 2019 Hollywood Fringe Festival. The play chronicles the relationship both professional and romantic between Olivia(Melissa Center). A talented but burnt-out author in her late thirties who stopped writing for anyone but herself after her first novel was received with poor reviews. Also, Ethan(Jake Ferree), a twenty-something-year-old New York Times bestselling author and self-described "asshole" who writes under the name "Ethan Strange" whose success has come from writing about his debauche... full review

A romantic comedy with dirt underneath its fingernails- in that, like life, love has complications that go deeper than simple misunderstandings we see in most rom-coms but rather deception, mutual opportunism, trust, and believing that someone is who they currently say they are and not what their past would dictate. Ferree and Center have off the chart chemistry, actors so in-synch and on top of their game that they command your attention. ... full review

I came to this show with arms crossed and left delighted and enthralled. The acting was intimate, specific, connected and moving. The writing was honest, raw, and wildly compelling. This small piece is a gem. I cannot recommend highly enough. ... full review

Two strangers come together for the ride of their life. Some are calling it a rom-com, I consider it a dramedy. Don't be put off by the 2 hour running time-it moves fast. The twists were completely unexpected and I loved every minute of it. ... full review

A really cool and fun dramedy that will keep you locked in the entire show .The chemistry between the two actors jumps out at you right away and they do a really great job bringing their characters to life. I didn’t go into this show with any expectations , but came out very pleased and impressed with the production .... full review

A fantastically engaging two-hander about the price of fame and the depths to which we'll sink to achieve it. Featuring two dynamic and powerhouse performances by Jake Ferree and Melissa Center, "Sex with Strangers" is constantly defying your expectations. ... full review

Lovely, intimate production. The real deal, a rare thing, a real piece of theatre in LA. Emotionally resonant work from the actors, very well directed, excellent script exploring relationships in the modern world. Refreshing and interesting. Recommended!... full review

This is one of the best shows in the fringe! Smart, witty, funny, authentic, believable, captivating. Great writing and GREAT acting! Go see it!... full review

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