What this interesting evening proves to this reviewer is that Elaine May at the top of her comedic form in the late Sixties is more entertaining by far than theatrical giant Eugene O'Neill at his early career 1916 fledgling worst. Another point that Mr. Marshall makes in juxtaposing these two works is to show the very thin line that separates comedy from tragedy, both from within each of the two playlets and between the two works by comparison. In Thirst , despite the sheer hopelessness of the three exposed survivors being adrift in the Atlantic, at several points during the unfolding dialogue we laugh uncomfortably as we begin to question if O'Neill may not be spoofing us, playing with our expected reactions to such a hackneyed situation.
Adaptation enjoys a much more fortuitous production and resulting audience reception.
Bruce Alan Rauscher as the Contestant is a winning combination of boyish vulnerablity and a gradually developing sense of cynicism. His comic timing and stage gestures make him the deservedly solid focus of the evening, just as it should be. Michael Replogle is an effective foil for Rauscher's antics, with several delectable character takes of his own thrown in for good measure. Liz Demery plays most of the female characters in fine style here, with particular comedic success in the role of the college professor, which is a constant bombardment of silly hand gestures and other shtick. Ms. Demery is a very funny woman.