The Mark Taper Forum and Center Theatre Group presents Poor Behavior, a play about fidelity, relationships and modern manners. Written by Theresa Rebeck, this quarrelsome comedy offers a convoluted view of truth and behavioral studies. The setup begins with two city couples enjoying a weekend country-retreat. From there marital mixups evolve, trusts are broken and chaos ensues.
Filled with larger then life characters, the comedy is uncomfortable at times, yet startlingly funny. Although the characters do not seem believable in a natural sense, they certainly prove entertaining.
Poor Behavior begins with a questions: "What is goodness?" The answer is not an easy one. Two couples argue their way through the play, attacking their dialog with eloquent fervor. The cast of characters are Johanna Day (as Ella), Sharon Lawrence (as Maureen), Reg Rogers (as Ian), and Christopher Evan Welch (as Peter). Each couple presents a dysfunctional dynamic of their relationship. In the world of the play, it is only a matter of time before lies become reality.
Mark Taper Forum. Runs through Oct. 16, 2011. Running time: 2 HOURS, 20 MIN.
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