Would like this drama, by local playwright Dani Stoller, to multitask as fluently. The story of a family struggling with crises and mistakes, “Easy Women” offers a real poignant character, as well as delicious moments of humor scattered in the middle of more obvious beuks. Her story buzzes with well-made efficiency, credibly reflecting Stoller, better known as an actress. And sold-out production by director Stevie Zimmerman presents great performances, like Susan Rome’s funny Marian living.
But “Easy Women” encompasses a story of sex addiction and a broken marriage, and Stoller and Zimmerman have failed to make this dark material appear to be part of a continuum with more sparkling content. When the play oscillates between comedy and serious, the effect is shocking. In addition, in a poorly conceived choice, semi-humor permeates a key scene involving a seduction so aggressive, and so unbalanced in its power dynamics, that it is almost an aggression.
These faults are not attributable to the action. The performers, all with first-rate dramatic and comic timing, have no trouble changing styles. Rome works mainly in comic mode as a difficult marmot, who at one time cuddles his whole house, man and woman, to participate in a ritual exploration of the sacred Yoni.
The story of Marian’s daughter, addicted to sex, oscillates between humor and intensity, but it is not the fault of Shanara Gabrielle, who excels in both cases and plausibly tempers the spiciness with vulnerability. Under the shock of her problems, Lee seeks refuge with mom, where she meets the tiny pregnant Kitty (a bubbling Jordan Slattery), niece of Marian’s husband Richard (John Leslie Wolfe, of a funny sweetness). The Princeton Bobby (John Austin, hilariously coiled) is also close at hand, who has fled the problems of his own family.
The secondary characters bring fun moments and precious warmth. After Kitty complains that her baby bump is making it difficult to shave her legs, Bobby helps. She sits on a table, a lollipop in her mouth, while he gently brandishes the razor. (Meghan Raham designed the Florida townhouse set and Debra Kim Sivigny designed the suits for the personality.)
In a more startling move away from comedy, Lee at one point exclaims, “I don’t know what to do with all this pain.” Often, you do not perceive this anxiety, because of the punchline aesthetic – Triscuit references and everything – that extends around it.
Women easy to smoke loose cigarettes by Dani Stoller. Directed by Stevie Zimmerman; lighting design, Andrew Cissna; his, Kenny Neal; privacy coordinator, Casey Kaleba. 110 minutes. This show is complete; returned tickets could create availability. Until March 29 at the Signature Theater, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington. 703-820-9771. SigTheatre.org.