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Regional Reviews: Washington, D.C. Rules for Living Also see Susan's review of Guys and Dolls
Matthew (Will Conard) and Adam (Jonathan Feuer) are the sons of Deborah and Francis (John Lescault), a retired judge now in poor health. Both men became lawyers themselves, although Matthew had an earlier interest in acting and Adam wanted to be a pro baseball player. Matthew is dating Carrie (Dani Stoller), an alarmingly outspoken actress, while Adam is having difficulties in his marriage to Nicole (Dina Thomas) and concerns about their daughter, Emma (Avery Harris, who alternates with Maisie Posner). So, with so much bubbling under the surface, what could go wrong? Director Ryan Rilette understands that the action can never slow down if this play is to work, and accordingly he keeps everything bouncing along at a rapid pace. Family resentments, marital irritations, well-meaning lies, and a lot of talk about therapy (mostly regarding Emma, who spends most of the play in her bedroom offstage) keep the pot, and the plot, boiling. (In a neat bit of scenic design, the personality "rules" by which most of the characters maintain their equilibrium appear as projections by Delaney Bray on the upper level of Jimmy Stubbs' lived-in-looking set.) The styles of humor range from topical jabs and insults to the moments where just about everyone breaks down. Lescault, a longtime D.C. actor and offstage husband of Jacobson, steals his scenes as the once powerful Francis tries vainly to control his family from a wheelchair and with an inability to speak clearly. Rules for Living runs through January 4, 2026, at Round House Theatre, 4545 East-West Highway, Bethesda MD. For tickets and information, please call 240-644-1100 or visit www.roundhousetheatre.org. By Sam Holcroft Cast: |
