An unusual work for the author, in that it has a linear plot that takes place over a single weekend. No epic works here. A family of sisters comes together for the birthday of the eldest, together with men that they are involved with. A lot of soul-searching, a bit of family squabbling, and a daughter that wants to run off to Lithuania for some not-quite developed cause create the tensions that keep the play moving. This is one of the first plays of Wasserstein's in which I didn't feel that she had some sort of beef about the women's movement allowing her to make choices she later regretted; as such, it was more enjoyable in its own right. The author explores family dynamics, but there is still the sense of women who have come from a much more third base starting point than most of us, so it still doesn't really tug emotionally the way some works do. Still, it is interesting and witty, though still somewhat cold and detached. ( )

A great play. She gives women the strong, yet vulnerable roles they deserve and adds a note of hope to the mixture. So many plays are doom and gloom. But she gives us lovely characters with whom we can identify and take refuge for just a little while. ( )

maybe better seen than read. i don't have any sisters so maybe there's a dynamic i haven't experienced. ( )

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