Ruhl begins the play by having a Brazilian maid tell a joke in Portuguese, but without any supertitle translation. While in theory this shouldn't work onstage, somehow it does. The joke itself, we find out, is not the point. "The greatest joke ever told" isn't about the punchline because its the one that would cause you to die laughing. So, in essence, we are being spared death. Gosh, what a thoughtful playwright! And there begins this sad poignant tale of love, loss, and laughter. Don't you love my alliteration? (It's a slow morning.)
And witih this play, finally, Sarah Ruhl has come to town. She's been circling New York like a jetplane over Laguardia. (And we've all been there!) We welcome her with arms drawn wide. I hope this play is an indication of things to come. Let's keep our fingers crossed for a production of her "Eurydice" which I'm told received an earth-shattering production at Yale Rep last year.
Jane Houdyshell played the sister in a production of "The Clean House" in Philadelphia in 2004. As much as I love Jill Clayburgh, I think I would've enjoyed Houdyshell far more.
Ponderance: Comedies are best served in January.
Ticket fee: $3.00
