Becky Shaw (LATW/CD/2011/$26)
So what happens when a couple of 20-somethings, Suzanna (Emily Bergl) and Max (Josh Stamberg), unrelated by blood, but raised as brother and sister, become best friends and Suzanna has her husband, Andrew (Matt Letscher) introduce Max to a co-worker, Becky Shaw (Mandy Siegfried)? A blind date that becomes an untenable relationship when insecure and neurotic Becky begins to demand more than Max can supply and resentments build between all the parties.
In addition, we have Marsha Mason as Suzanna’s mother, Susan, a woman in her 50s, living with M.S. and trying on a relationship with a stud-muffin twenty years her junior. How Becky Shaw manages to upend the delicate balance that Suzanna and Max have in their friendship-that-should-not-develop-into-something-more-serious is one of the subplots that is engrossing.
Witty and humorous, angry and threatening, Gina Gionfriddo’s “Becky Shaw” balances lightness and darkness nicely, giving us compelling theatre. Taped, as most of these Los Angeles Theatre Works plays are, in front of a live audience, the reality of these actors is well done, with diction clear and intentions easy to follow.
Directed by L.A. stage veteran Bart DeLorenzo, the cast more than delivers the comic drama that unfolds for us. Gionfriddo’s theatrical charms are on display and it plays well on radio/disk.
$24.95 from LATW, www.latw.org.