THIS PLAY IS PLENTY FULL OF LIFE. It’s about a suave man who has a few bucks. He also has squeezed fives times as much fun in his life than a greedy banker. Yes, he is sexy and he knows it. We’re talking about Brian here. Brian (Max) is also a sharp talking suave Casanova. And you know what? – You’re gonna be attracted to him!

Then there is the spoiled-rotten Suzanna, who leans on Max (her adopted brother and money manager). But, Suzanna as always weeps until she gets her way. And her way was to seduce Max into her bed. Well, he is adopted – so it’s not exactly like having sex with a blood relative.

Max talks a lot: Here is one of his smart Alec quips … “Prostitution, marriage … same thing!” – Max blurts out. And this is probably right … Max sez: “It’s two people coming together because each has something the other wants.” Now let that sink in. You know it’s true.

Suzanna has now married - but not to Max. She ends up marrying Andrew (who fixes Max up with a date.) Yes, I know it’s complicated. Max realizes that Becky is a desperate person. She’s a hanger on. Determined to get rid of creepy Becky – Max dismisses her. He tells her in a bar that he doesn’t want to see her again. Gee – Max realized fast that Becky is a stalker. She seems to have him trapped.

This play is all about money, class and sex. And ‘hooking’ up is mild in this story. How will Max get out of this fix? Well, you’ll just have to find out near the juicy ending, won’t you?

In the first act Suzanna talks incessantly about her dead father. The opening scene seemed to go on so much about Suzanna's Dad – I began to think that we were trapped on a space ship to Mars.

Max’s wit carries this play along with her vulnerable persona. It’s like she has a breakdown every 15-seconds. Is it because Max and Suzanna are constantly on the verge of an incestuous relationship? Just watching them together panting over each other is enough to set a hotel room on fire.

But here’s the deal. This is a brisk and entertaining dark comedy. Everyone in the play is on the edge of a cliff. You never know who is going to fall off next. Anyone care to Lap Dance?

THE FANTASTIC ACTORS ARE: Brian Robert Burns (Max Garrett) – “Great Acting that is full of depth and wit.” Lee Dolson (Andrew Porter) – he “inspires and delights.” Lauren English (Becky Shaw) – “Breathtaking stirring delight.” Lori Holt (plays Suzanna’s Mother Susan Slater) – She has the bucks and she rules the palace. “Stern, wise and as usual - profound!” -- think ... ‘Downton Abbey’ on PBS – that’s Lori Holt.” Liz Sklar (Susanna Slater – Liz Sklar) is “Luminous and Brilliant!”

BILL ENGLISH HAS COME UP WITH ANOTHER MARVELOUS SET! THE DIRECTION BY AMY GLAZER IS NON-STOP GENIOUS!

NOW PLAYING AT THE SF PLAYHOUSE ON SUTTER NEAR POWELL

RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!! (highest rating!) – trademarked

(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed many articles to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook and he has produced and hosted a long-running Arts Segment on PBS KQED)))

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