The More Loving One

Playwright Cory Conley displays a bracingly original voice in his new comedy-drama "The More Loving One," about two 20-something couples, one straight and one gay, who have each been together for about four years. Acutely observed, inventively structured, and acted impeccably under the nuanced direction of Craig Baldwin, the show is, in a word, terrific.

"On a summer weekend in a steamy college town," we first meet science professor Matt and video artist Lauren, a married couple returning home from Matt's testimony against a  fellow teacher in a case of statutory rape of a 14-year-old girl. They share their college-provided condo with grad student Heinrich, Lauren's longtime friend and former fellow artist, who is involved with the prettier Henry, a senior. In four nonchronological scenes, we watch both relationships put at risk, with one solidifying and the other dissolving.

Conley has a masterful ear for contemporary speech and a knack for exploiting subtext, as well as one of the most unusual but effective ways with exposition I've yet encountered. He manages to keep you constantly guessing yet never confused, a neat trick. David Beck shines as the uncomprehendingly self-involved Matt; Adriana Degirolami intrigues as the impassive but judgmental Lauren; Jimmy Davis gives the calmly superior Heinrich, who describes himself as "passive," a sharp edge; and Preston Martin deliciously mixes sweetness and smarts as Henry.

The title comes from W.H. Auden's poem ("If equal affection cannot be/Let the more loving one be me"), which Conley deftly makes into a two-edged sword in a taut and telling 75 minutes.

Presented by Nathan Koch as part of the New York International Fringe Festival at La MaMa ETC's First Floor Theatre, 74A E. Fourth St., NYC. Aug. 17–28. Remaining performances: Sat., Aug. 20, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 21, 4 p.m.; Mon., Aug. 22, 8 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 28, noon. (866) 468-7619 or www.fringenyc.org.