Linedy Genao and Adam Heller Photo by Carol Rosegg

Anna Louizos's set is simply dazzling. She displays the exteriors of two Washington D.C. houses. The home of Tania Del Valle (Linedy Genao) and Pablo Del Valle (Anthony Michael Martinez) is shingled in green and dwarfed by a huge oak tree which drops acorns and more upon their property. Virginia Butley (Paula Leggett Chase) and Frank Butley (Adam Heller) live next door in a handsome brick house that serves as a showcase for Frank's garden, replete with pastel-colored hydrangeas. The Butleys also have a deck upon which rests a small wrought iron table and a few chairs.

The Del Valles, forward thinking Latinx probable Democrats, have recently arrived. She is both about to give birth and preparing her doctoral dissertation. She is concerned about the environment and favors flowers which are indigenous. He is a sharp, energized attorney who will quickly speak his mind about any topic. Meanwhile, Frank, so nearby, sprays his garden plants with what one assumes is a toxic concoction. Costume designer David C. Woolard outfits the man, given honorable mention in the local contest for best garden), with appropriate apron and hat. Virginia is opinionated to the point of being caustic. It's obvious that she is skeptical of the new neighbors, yet claims to have hopes of harmony.

Zacarías's figurative fulcrum for the play is a chainlink fence that separates the two backyards. The Butleys have draped it with greenery to lessen its unwanted presence. When a surveyor reveals that, in actuality, Tania and Pablo's property rightfully juts twenty-three inches further into that of the Butleys', there's subsequent quarreling and greater trouble. Frank's tulips might be out there for hacking or swiping or whatever. Frank and Virginia have government positions and, well, they are Republicans. Heller's Frank seems somewhat empathetic within his outward bluster, but Virginia remains haughty and impenetrable for much of the performance. Tania and Pablo are preparing for an upcoming dinner in their yard and tensions, including mean-spirited arguing, follow. The Butleys are less than thrilled that the young couple might create a garden that is ecologically healthful but friendly to weeds and bugs.

The bickering, through the writer's sharp dialogue, alludes to class, greed and much more. This play's meaning grows more than pertinent when one ponders politics and social implications this very day. It is a play packed with a bit of wallop and much implication. Those who refer to it as situation comedy are not incorrect, but Zacarías goes for more. The author, who does have hope, has plenty to say and she does so through the characters' voices and dispositions.

Native Gardens is a one-act play running 90 minutes without intermission. Director Joann M. Hunter orchestrates the flow with balance as conversations escalate. Hunter affords each actor time in the spotlight but the sparring sequences are pivotal.

Zacarías is an award-winning playwright and she injects one-liners here and there. Frank has a riff about squatting here, there and everywhere, and Heller, a veteran actor, makes the most of this role. New England theatregoers might have seen this physical, expressive performer at Hartford Stage, the Goodspeed Opera House, Ogunquit Playhouse, or Barrington Stage Company. Paula Leggett Chase has multiple Broadway credits, was recently in The Ballad of Johnny and June at La Jolla Playhouse and has a number of film and TV appearances to her name. Linedy Genao and Anthony Michael Martinez, each making debuts at the Westport Playhouse, impress with excellent timing. Genao, from nearby Hamden, was named to Variety's Broadway Actors to Watch list. Martinez has acted Off-Broadway and on various regional stages.

Native Gardens runs through March 8, 2025, at Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Ct., Westport CT. For tickets and information, please call 203-227-4177 or visit westportplayhouse.org.