And yet the human race survives, by the skin of our teeth. That's the through line. We have only to turn on television news in this age of genocide, epidemics of fatal diseases, loose nukes and political and economic instability to see images and hear stories that are far more immediate and real than the geologic, biblical, and historical ones portrayed on stage. And the gallows humor that accompanies the news comes at us all the time, via mass media. Because it is no more than a series of revue-like skits that aren't quite funny enough.
Some wonderful moments elicit strong laughter.
Her soft shoe brings down the house. True, but trooper that she is, she makes the most of the material she's got. Ironically, if this production belongs to anyone, that would be Bebe Neuwirth's last-minute replacement. With Hugh Nees, Bruce Nelson, Lawrence Redmond, Thomas Adrian Simpson, Karl Christian, Kenneth J. Ewing Jr., Daniel P. Felton, Johanna Gerry, Jason Gilbert, Marc Oka, Richard Pelzman, Erika Lynn Rupli, Jennifer Swiderski, and R. Scott Thompson. Performances, all of which are sold out, continue through February 21, 1999.