Third

(zoom in)

October 14, 2007
Geffen Playhouse, Westwood
Play

Starring Christine Lahti, Matt Czuchry, Jayne Brook, Sarah Drew, and M. Emmet Walsh

Our first Wendy Wasserstein play! Why is that something to note? "Making the Great White Way a haven for post-60's feminism, this master of the bitchy zinger who was hailed as the Herodotus of our time as well as a female Neil Simon, Wasserstein created a body of work that also includes the plays Isn't it Romantic, The Sisters Rosensweig and An American Daughter." ~ Victoria Looseleaf


This play deals with a changing world that becomes harder to define into nice, neat little packages no matter how brilliant the mind of the observer. It's about the way we want to see things, the way we depend on seeing things, verses the way things really are. Christine Lahti seemed an absolute natural for the character Laurie, a well-established literary college professor bent on championing the underdog (ie... anyone who is not a straight, white male of privilege). And Matt Czuchry was disarmingly charming in his portrayal of an open and honest student who does not fit into her nice, neat little boxes.
As always, The Geffen provides some of the best theatre in Los Angeles. I am always impressed with the casting in each production. With The Geffen, I know that even if the play isn't my cup of tea, I'm going to enjoy the performances.


Third is a solid play with a message about breaking out of our ruts. This play is aimed at anyone who has become too comfortable with definitions and categories and classes. And it makes its point well. We thoroughly enjoyed it.

Special thank you to Allison for the photos (photo credit: Michael Lamont).

~S