Sex with Strangers: A Smart Summer Comedy

Friday, Jul. 12

Does technology bring us closer together or make us virtual strangers? That's for the audience to decide after watching the Performing Artists Collective Alliance's performance of Sex with Strangers by Laura Eason, directed by Craig Schneider.

This smart and sexy summer comedy follows 20-something sex blogger and memoirist Ethan (played by Michael Haas), who tracks down his idol — a gifted novelist in her 40s named Olivia (played by Krista Perry). As attraction turns to sex, they get closer to what they want, but both must confront the dark side of ambition and the trouble of reinventing themselves, especially when the past is only one click away.

Ethan's career seems to contrast Olivia's, who has been writing almost as long as Ethan has been alive but has seen little success. Haas says that playing a character like Ethan is interesting and exciting because he exemplifies the extremes of the human psyche: he is equal parts hedonism and existential dread. Haas calls Sex with Strangers "fun," but he still hopes that the play will leave the audience with a touch of self-doubt as they see their best and worst attributes reflected in the play.

This twisty two-character drama discusses lust, love, and the complex nature of identity in a technology-dominated era, while also remaining a thoughtful comedy about privacy and publicity. The playwright offers poignant observations about the dual-edged sword that is technology: it both eases and complicates relationships. Sex with Strangers is well-crafted with clever dialogue and wit; this play is both sexually and intellectually provocative. — Madeline Dufala

Fridays and Saturdays through July 27, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. // PACA, 1505 State Street, Floor 2 // $15 // paca1505.org