Beyond Therapy at the Phoenix Stage Company

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On Stage July 22-August 7, 2011

Get the best therapy of all:  "Guaranteed Laughter" this July with Christopher Durang's classic comedy!

After a disastrous first date, Bruce and Prudence seek solace in therapy - despite both their therapists being stark raving mad. And that’s only the beginning of their problems. In Durang’s topsy-turvy world, life is a potent cocktail of sexual mix-ups, relationship neuroses, and a serious lack of impulse control. This wicked and wickedly funny look at the days and nights of the young and single will inspire you to outrageous laughter, the most effective therapy of all.

Bruce is a highly emotional bisexual who tends to cry easily, a trait homophobic Prudence sees as a weakness. Their first meeting proves to be disastrous and the two report back to their respective therapists - libidinous Stuart, who once seduced Prudence, and eccentric Charlotte, who stumbles over the simplest of words, references the play Equus as a good source of advice, and interacts with Bruce and all her patients with the help of a stuffed Snoopy. Clearly the two are more troubled than their patients. Charlotte suggests a revised ad, which once again attracts Prudence, but this time she and Bruce manage to get past their initial loathing and discover they actually like each other. Complications ensue when Bruce’s jealous live-in lover Bob decides to assert himself and do everything possible to maintain his status quo.

This comedy is directed by Donna Storms, who appeared as Bunny Sutherland in The Hallelujah Girls. Beyond Therapy features Chris Evans playing the part of Bruce. Evans recently appeared as Jim O'Connor, the gentleman caller, in and as a juror in the staged reading of at the Phoenix. Jim Buffone will play the part of Bob. Buffone recently took on the meaty role of Tom Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie and another juror in Twelve Angry Men. Marsha Howard Karp takes on the role of Prudence. Mike Ritts, recently seen in both Bleacher Bums and Twelve Angry Men, will play the role of Stuart. One of my personal favorites, the always hysterical Val Vitalo will take on the role of the therapist Charlotte. Vitalo has appeared in an impressive three other productions at the Phoenix, including The Hallelujah Girls (as Mavis Flowers,) (as Lillian Troy,) and Love, Sex and the IRS (as Vivian Trachtman.) She is a fellow teacher and somehow she always seems to get the funniest lines...or maybe she just always manages to make them the funniest. Finally, Ed Bassett, one of the partners in the Phoenix Stage and jack of all trades, will appear briefly as Andrew, the Waiter.  I can assure you that this talented actor/director will make the role memorable.

Beyond Therapy will be presented on July 22, 23, 29, 20, August 5 & 6, 2011 at 8:00pm and July 24, 31& August 7, 2011 at 2:00pm.  Tickets are $22.00 for adults/$18.00 for Students & Seniors and can be purchased by calling the box office at (203) 632-8546 or by e-mail at tickets@phoenixstagecompany.org

I rented the film version of this play and wasn't really impressed, but I understand that the play is a favorite of community theater groups. As the description above indicates, the subject matter and language are not intended for children. A small part of my school's Dinner and a Show group will be attending opening night and we are looking forward to it!

To listen to a podcast of an interview with the director and some of the actor, click here http://johnnyo.podbean.com/

Contains Adult Language & Situations
May not be suitable for audiences under 17 • Parental Discretion Advised

Thanks to the for much of the information in this post.