By Tania Fisher . . .
Don’t let its title mislead you. Sure, Sex Work / Sex Play (now playing at the TADA 28th Street Theater through October 29) is a play about a college student’s side hustle as a babe for Sugar Daddies, her divorced mother’s relationship issues, a suburban husband’s sexual boredom in his marriage, a middle-aged ignored wife, and a young on-line porn star . . . but, it’s oh so much more.
Every possible aspect of how society treats and deals with the idea of sex, love and relationships is explored in this incredibly upbeat, quirky, outrageously funny theatrical production. Everything is a swipe away, and nobody tells the truth!
It’s no surprise that the dialogue by award-winning Caytha Jentis ensures that no subject matter or scenario is ever awkward or taboo. Jentis, having made successful feature films and Amazon Prime series with major celebrity names, knows what she’s doing—and you won’t be able to get enough.
Too many accomplishments to list here, but it’s worth noting that Jentis wrote the stage play It’s All About the Kids, which won the NJ Playwrights competition and was subsequently turned into the movie Bad Parents, starring Janeane Garofalo (and which streamed on Netflix and HBO and was a top comedy on Red Box). It’s entirely possible that Sex Work / Sex Play may enjoy this same level of success in the future.
Jentis’s play is paired perfectly with Director Rosie Gunther, who has over 20 years of experience and a talent for nurturing actors to give complete, authentic performances, and keep every moment on stage interesting and engaging. The material is tastefully handled, and Gunther is also able to maintain a driving pace and lightheartedness with subject matter that might otherwise be considered sensitive. The powerful team of Jentis/Gunther knows no bounds and is completely capable of reaching any heights this power duo sets its sights on.
Each actor was always thinking authentically, and delivery from each of them was nothing short of perfection.
Constance Zaytoun plays the busy, divorced mom, Alex, raising her college student daughter single-handedly. Zaytoun is a familiar face to theatergoers but also holds impressive TV credits in shows such as “Saint X” on Hulu, and “Gossip Girl” on HBO. Every woman can relate to Alex, and Zaytoun handles this with absolute ease and comfort, never going overboard, but always showing genuine angst and the complexities of her character.
Amber Gatlin as out-for-the-Sugar-Daddies college student Cassidy, gives a lovely and realistic performance of a young girl seeking to be treated like a princess. As she says, “Cinderella wasn’t canceled when I was growing up.”
Josh Hyman, as Dave, makes us love every moment he’s on stage, even though his character, a cheating husband, has some serious flaws. His comic timing is perfect, and he endears the audience to him with great professionalism.
Kerry McGann, as the disregarded middle-aged housewife Maggie, who eats her feelings using Oreos, is also relatable, just as all of Jentis’s characters are in this play. But McGann’s gutsy, yet comedic expression of a woman who decides to take action to change her circumstances will leave you literally cheering.
Christopher Trindade, as Jay, gives a wonderfully natural and confident performance as an online porno star. We willingly accept his character and the journey that led him to do what he does. Trindade’s performance is both playful and impeccable.
No subject matter relating to sex is off-limits, but it’s done so masterfully and within the context of such creative and humorous story-telling with gloriously highly-skilled actors, that there are no uncomfortable moments; only smiles, cheers, and belly laughs.
Punchy, witty, fast-paced, and sharp, this clever and high-energy play will either answer all your questions about sex and love, or it will leave you blissfully confused about it . . . at least just as much as you were before. Either way, you’ll be glad you took part in a little Sex Work / Sex Play.
Sex Work / Sex Play. Through October 29 at the TADA 28th Street Theater (15 W 28th Street, between Broadway and Fifth Avenue). Running time: 85 minutes, no intermission. www.emergingartiststheatre.org
Photos: Richard Rivera
