Critic’s Choice: Amusing play covers ‘Things You Shouldn’t Say’

CHICAGO – An unguarded remark leads to all sorts of misunderstandings and recriminations in “Things You Shouldn’t Say After Midnight,” Peter Ackerman’s laugh-inducing modern bedroom farce now enjoying a lively revival at Windy City Playhouse in Chicago.

The relationship comedy, written in 2000 and smartly directed by William Brown, features a talented cast that explores the private lives of three New York City couples with razor-sharp timing.

The time is 3 a.m. when Nancy (Emily Tate), who’s not Jewish, utters an unplanned and unfortunate slur in the heat of the moment during a passionate romantic encounter with longtime Jewish boyfriend Ben (Peter Meadows). This creates an immediate rift as she tries to explain herself while he opens the door to a full-blown discussion that goes far afield to question their relationship, sexual proclivities and orientation.

The next scene takes place that same night in another apartment where Grace (Patrese McClain), an amorous, vivacious college-educated woman is with her new lover Gene (Shane Kenyon), a blue-collar guy with low self-esteem; he works as a hit man and is reticent about expressing his inner feelings. They have been an item for only five days, but Grace finds Gene a refreshing change from the well-schooled men she has known who keep looking to her for direction on what to do with their lives.

Complications set in with the unexpected arrival of the distraught Nancy, Grace’s best friend and former college roommate. Grace persuades a reluctant Gene to phone his gay brother Mark (Chris Sheard), who happens to be her therapist for a professional’s take on Nancy’s situation.

Despite the hour, Mark is pleased to discuss the situation – even though he himself is in bed entertaining the aged Mr. Abramson (Robert Spencer, who has a few of the play’s wittiest lines).

Rather than give too much away, suffice it to be noted that, despite its title, “Things You Shouldn’t Say After Midnight” provokes the kind of forthright discussions crucial for couples seeking to cultivate successful, fulfilling bonds. A bonus is that the play achieves its goal with humor and gusto.

IF YOU GO:

‘Things You Shouldn’t Say After Midnight’

Where: Windy City Playhouse, 3014 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago

When: Through Oct. 4

Cost: Tickets are $20 - $45.

Info: Call 773-891-8985 or visit www.windycityplayhouse.com/things for more information.

Tom Witom is a freelance editor and writer and can be contacted at editorial@lakecountyjournal.com.