THE STORY: Leeds, a brainy and tart-tongued graduate student, bets Ward, his “super-jock” roommate, that Ward can seduce Honor, the wife of a young professor, Ron. But Leeds also wagers that if Ward is successful, Ron will make an attempt on his life within forty-eight hours. The situation grows progressively more complex, with fun and fear brilliantly juxtaposed. In the resultant comic mix, the acerbic Leeds does his best to manipulate circumstances to his own advantage, while narcissistic Ward, bored Honor, and bumbling Ron all fall victim to his stratagems. In the end, the result is not tragedy but pure and bubbling comedy, laced with wit and filled with revealing insights into the natures of our four singular and attractive principals.
This brightly inventive comedy blends verbal eloquence and needle-sharp characterizations in its often biting examination of the antics of four graduate students.
“[Mark Medoff is] a dexterous and extraordinarily witty playwright. His quartet of academics is beautifully drawn with a knowing and loving hand.” —The New York Times.
“…a scornful, crisply funny comedy-drama…carefully, cannily shaped to control your attention, to keep you in suspense.” —Village Voice.
“This is a pinwheel of a comedy, shooting off sparks of wit, menace and surprise at a fast clip.” —Time Magazine.
