A new comedy “about what it means to be a woman (no matter what pronouns you use) in the 21st century” is playing in a limited engagement off-Broadway.
Running through December 31 at the Actors Temple Theater, Madwomen of the West, by Sandra Tsing Loh, features Caroline Aaron, Brooke Adams, Marilu Henner and Melanie Mayron.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 07: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE (L-R) Actors Tony Danza, Marilu Henner and Henry … [+]
The plot, the production suggests, welcomes audiences to “Jules’ stunning Brentwood mansion, where hangry (she’s sugar-cleansing) Marilyn is throwing a surprise birthday brunch for Claudia, who hates birthdays. Champagne corks pop — and tempers flare — when their long-estranged celebrity friend Zoey crashes the party, fresh from her TED Talks. Expect hilarity, outrageous opinions, and unexpected wisdom.”
In a recent interview, Henner—the star of TV sitcoms Taxi and Evening Shade, an actor in seven Broadway shows and author of ten books on health, parenting, memory and lifestyle improvement—said Loh’s play is “about everything women talk about, a lot of talk about sex and politics.
“Sandra (the playwright) is a genius. People will recognize themselves in their relationships with somebody else in the piece.”
Suggesting ‘there’s something for everyone” in the play, Henner said her character, Zoey, can “pick up with (the other characters) in a moment’s notice. I come in like The Cat in the Hat, stir things up in a way that everyone reveals their secrets.”
Loh is the author of The Madwoman in the Volvo: My Year of Raging Hormones, based on her Best American Essay 2012 on menopause, and Mother on Fire, inspired by her solo show about public education in Los Angeles.
Performances of Madwomen of the West are Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m, Sundays at 2 p.m. and Mondays at 7 p.m.
