At first glance this looks to be just another glossy piece of theatre intent on mining giggles and sniffles from the tired, it's-my-wedding-day-and-everything-is-falling-apart setup. As it turns out it's a truly emotional and funny play. There are too many stories being told, but several endearing performances more than make up for it.
Monica is a successful talk show host. It's the day before her lavish wedding, and her two sisters confront her with the news that her husband-to-be is being busted for insider trading. She's also carrying her ex-boyfriend's baby, and said ex, whom she still loves, shows up. One of Monica's sisters, Annie, is being pursued by her own ex, who also happens to be catering the wedding. The third sister, Izzy, a screwed-up model-turned-reporter, happens to be one of the reporters breaking the story about Monica's bridegroom's crimes. The three have issues with one another and have suffered horrible physical and mental abuse at the hands of their alcoholic father. While playwright Joan Casademont tries to cover too much ground, she's written some great characters and scenes, as well as loads of snappy dialogue for talented actors to sink their teeth into.
The sisters are wonderful. Julie Lancaster's Monica has the strength and selfishness of Oprah, with Diane Sawyer's hair. At times she's tough as steel, at others weak as tissue paper. Andrea Marcellus as Izzy, the family screw-up, is similarly strong yet vulnerable, but she gives her character a quirkiness and unpredictability that's hard to take our eyes off of. Courtney Gebhart as Annie, the most rational of the sisters, finds a perfect emotional place between the other two. She unselfishly plays second fiddle for a good chunk of the play but is firmly in command when she's called upon to take the lead.
A superb performance is also turned in by Blake Boyd as Roger, Monica's ex, who wants her back. His insides are in such turmoil, and there is so much chaos between his ears that we can feel it. Roger's final moments onstage with Monica are clumsily awkward and heart wrenching. Brendan O'Neill is very nice as Annie's suitor Harry, and Joe Anthony as Izzy's reporter buddy Joel does a good job playing off everyone around him. Dori Rosenthal is comical as Pat, though her character is shoehorned in.
The play has too many story lines. Annie and Harry, Izzy and Joel, and money-grubbing pal Pat are enjoyable but cumbersome. Too many things are going on simultaneously. It would be more powerful if it were pared down to the sisters' shared issues and Monica's relationship choices.
Director Ben Livingston firmly guides his very funny cast. The pacing is good, and he utilizes all of Burris Jackes' attractive set. In spite of the bulky story lines, several of which are wrapped up too neatly, there are very few false notes in this production. It feels surprisingly natural, with the last half hour being some of the most moving theatre I've seen in a long time.
"Maids of Honor," presented by Two Chicks Productions at 2100 Square Feet, 5615 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles. Thurs.-Sat. 8 p.m. Oct. 12-Nov. 17. $20. (323) 655-8587.