“Sex With Strangers,” written by Laura Eason, is set in a bed and breakfast in rural Michigan in Act I, and in Olivia’s Chicago apartment in Act II.
As the play opens Olivia (Rebecca Pidgeon) is curled up on the couch reading proof sheets of her latest manuscript. This marks her second book which may never be published because she is still shell shocked from the critical reception for her first novel.
“Sex With Strangers,” written by Laura Eason, is set in a bed and breakfast in rural Michigan in Act I, and in Olivia’s Chicago apartment in Act II.
As the play opens Olivia (Rebecca Pidgeon) is curled up on the couch reading proof sheets of her latest manuscript. This marks her second book which may never be published because she is still shell shocked from the critical reception for her first novel.
She is totally snowed-in, in the now deserted B & B. Suddenly her silent world is jarred by the sounds of a car pulling up in the driveway, followed by a loud knock at the front door. At this point Ethan (Stephen Louis Grush) enters the scene. He is a brash young writer who, it turns out, is doing very well writing about his constant sexual exploits with women he picks up in bars each and every week. He then graphically details his brief, steamy encounters on the internet. Classy, no, but successful — yes. In fact his book, based on his sexual prowess, is being made into a movie. He is younger and far less polished than the educated, somewhat prim Olivia, but, it turns out, he has something to offer her besides his body.
It turns out that Ethan. a fan of Olivia’s failed first novel, wants her to publish it again, using a new name and a new book jacket. He is certain, with his help, she will gain the literary following and fame her unique, elegant style deserves. As Act I progresses, he also tries to convince her to let him read her newest manuscript. He is certain he can restart her career using his digital age skills and his agent
Act one, like a romance novel, has plenty of sexual forays (tastefully done) and many trips to the bedroom. This coupling is coupled with conversations about writing, marketing and the importance of reaching out to the world with one‘s writing talents. But who is Ethan anyway? Is there more to him than his sexual blogs? And will Olivia face rejection yet again due to his seductive persuasion?
What is most interesting about Eason’s play is the chance to learn more about who each character really is in their own mind. Is Olivia more than a timid writer unable to face rejection? Would she rather face obscurity rather than possible failure. And is the brash sensual Ethan capable of writing a novel of substance? Is he more than the lowbrow lover he projects on line in his crass, but successful blog? And is there is a future for this odd couple?
The first act seems overly long and the set changes could use more innovation as we shift from the B&B in Michigan to Olivia‘s Chicago digs. The couch, for example, would have looked different with a colorful spread and pillows as well as different floor lamp. The set changes, as of now, are kind of like déjà vu all over again.
“Sex With Strangers” is at the Geffen Playhouse, 10866 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles (Westwood). Ends April 10. For tickets and info: 310-208-5454. Or online at geffenplayhouse.com. Running time: 2 hours.
