Cassanova Was a Woman

Adapting her screenplay of the same title for the stage, writer-director-star Jezabel Montero asks the question: Is it possible for a bisexual to be a monogamist? To answer it, she traces the sexual and emotional journeys of Cass, an actor of Cuban descent who divorces her husband, moves in with a woman, and then sleeps with men again. It's a rambling journey crammed with characters and plot elements that pop up and vanish in a blur. But Montero's central question provides a beacon guiding her to as satisfying a resolution as is probably possible.

This delightful performer molds Cass into a warm, smart, three-dimensional woman. However, Montero's uneven directing and writing are sprinkled with patches of wooden dialogue, stereotypical characters, and choppy pacing. Despite this, we should welcome "Cassanova Was a Woman," because it treats people who are all too often ignored or belittled with sensitivity and intelligence.

Presented by No Clout Productions as part of the New York International Fringe Festival at the Living Theatre, 21 Clinton St., NYC. Aug. 22–28. Remaining performances: Thu., Aug. 25, 9:30 p.m.; Fri., Aug. 26, 5:45 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 27, 1:45 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 28, 2 p.m. (866) 468-7619 or www.fringenyc.org.