A Mirage of Happy Couples

Rancho Mirage is a gated community in the desert where we meet three couples convening for at on couple’s house for dinner and a fun night together. Over the course of the evening, secrets and truths start to be revealed, first slowly, then at one point at a frantic pace.  These are best friends, but each person is keeping up a façade, trying not to let others know of the problems that lie underneath, sometimes even to their own spouse. The playwright, Steven Dietz, weaves in twists and turns in the plot that may keep you guessing with a bunch of good lines that also keep you laughing.  I was reminded a little bit of God of Carnage which played at the Huntington last season - the way the couples interact and the way the evening progresses reminded me a little of the show – but that's a good thing as I was entertained by both.  If it seems that I’ve been a little vague on the plot on what actually transpires, that is on purpose.  Sometimes it’s best to go into a play knowing very little of what will happen so you can get caught up in the action – this is a good example of a play where you will benefit from not knowing too much. 

Director Robert Walsh assembles a fine cast that is well directed.  Each of the couples is strong and the entire cast works well as an ensemble.  All of the technical aspects came together to make the production look great.  John Howell Hood's scenic design was very fitting for the neighborhood the play is set in.  It was very interesting to look and to take in all the details.   Dewey Dellay's sound design and music composed for the scene changes fit in very well, helped keep the pacing going and were perfectly timed with Deb Sullivan's lighting design – it really made the scene changes flow perfectly. 

Overall, this was a show that was enjoyable and kept my interest for the entire two hours.  While being enjoyable, it wasn’t a very deep show that leaves you pondering it for long after the house lights come up as a show like Elephant Man may do.  That being said, it still made for an enjoyable night of theatre and makes me interested in seeing more from the playwright. 

~ Frank Furnari - New Rep Reviewer