NY Review: 'LoveSick or Things That Don't Happen'

"If we weren't constantly thinking about or chasing after somebody or other, what would we do?" asks master of ceremonies Michael Nathanson. "What would we do? What would we write about?" While it's undeniable that romance makes for great drama, relationships don't seem like enough reason for "LoveSick or Things That Don't Happen," Lia Romeo's fluffy evening of short plays. Punctuated by generic pop songs by Tony Biancosino, the show feels like a romantic fling. It's fun for a while, but when it's over you're left feeling empty.

However, for anyone lonely and bitter about the impending Hallmark holiday, "LoveSick" just might be the fuel for your fire. Each of the seven skits explores the downside of love and relationships. And it's in these cynical moments that the work finds some success. Though most of the pieces and even the narration are derivative—Nathanson openly admits to stealing a line from "Eat Pray Love"—the formula sometimes works. In particular, the "Saturday Night Live"–style sketch about two resentful bridesmaids wins the most laughs of the evening. As Susie, Aidan Sullivan flawlessly channels Kristen Wiig, and Melissa Hammans' comic timing is spot-on. The scene could have come straight from the blockbuster film "Bridesmaids."

Another standout performance comes from Barrett Hall, as the high school nerd turned grown-up millionaire who still harbors a love for the prom queen, now a pregnant prostitute. Pat McRoberts is surprisingly charismatic as the suicide hotline employee who charms a heartbroken teenager into going out with him. Director Michole Biancosino keeps the evening informal and digestible but doesn't transform the work beyond the page.

The songs, while peppy and catchy, are unoriginal, right down to their titles, such as "Bye, Bye, Bye" and "Dancing By Myself." Although there were some microphone-feedback issues the night I attended, all of the voices were pleasant. Set designer Kevin Judge transforms the space into an intimate bar scene, complete with attractive pink lighting by Ben Hagen and Joe Skowronski.

If you don't have anything to do for Valentine's Day, seeing "LoveSick" is certainly a way to vent your frustration. However, if you're lucky enough to have a date, don't subject him or her to this uneven mess.

Presented by Project Y Theatre Company at 59E59 Theatres, 59 E. 59th St., NYC. Feb. 9–25. Tue.–Thu., 7:30 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 8:30 p.m.; Sun., 3:30 p.m. (212) 279-4200 or www.ticketcentral.com. Casting by Judy Bowman.