Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Escape Your Comfort Zone: "The Escort" at the Geffen Playhouse
James Eckhouse and Maggie Siff in the world premiere of "The Escort" (Photo by Michael Lamont)
()
In a cosmopolitan city such as Los Angeles, we like to think of ourselves as open-minded. More importantly, we want people we interact with to perceive us as liberal and accepting. Despite this desire, every person has a limit to what they consider to be acceptable and proper behavior. The Escort at the Geffen Playhouse brilliantly explores the limits of what we find progressive and safe, and the reality of what happens when we stray too far out of our comfort zone. In the world premiere of playwright Jane Anderson’s newest drama, we meet Dr. Rhona Bloom, a single-mother who is in a bit of a rut. She strives to be a good doctor and mother, even maintaining a cordial relationship with her ex-husband, but this leaves little time for her own needs. We quickly realize that her world is about to change when she meets Charlotte, a high-class call girl that surprises Rhona with her intellect and poise. After the two attempt an unlikely friendship, we see Rhona escape from her routine with a series of choices that oscillate between healthy self-development and perilous risks.
Although the play delves into the realm of taboo, director Lisa Peterson avoids cheap shocks (and unnecessary distractions) by employing body suits for nude scenes. The play may lack titillating nudity (which might disappoint fans of actress Maggie Siff, who plays Charlotte but will be recognizable to Mad Men fans as Rachel Menken), but the humor and frankness with which Anderson explores the universal themes of friendship, parenting in the digital age, and sexual morality is enough to arouse the most desensitized audience.
Although the Geffen audience tends to skew a bit older, this is a must-see play for theatre-goers of any age that are seeking a play that excites as well as challenges our own perceptions. While Maggie Siff as Charlotte, James Eckhouse as Rhona’s ex-husband Howard, and Gabriel Sunday who doubles up as both Rhona’s son Lewis and male escort Lewis, all give excellent scene-stealing performances, Polly Draper really comes into the role of Rhona in the second-half.
The second act does go into some unexpected directions where the play’s themes become a bit muddled, but it does lend itself to further debate and self-exploration. Exceptional acting, smart and witty dialogue, and complex themes guarantee that you’ll be deep in conversation about The Escort before you exit the Geffen’s courtyard.
Support for LAist comes from
The Escort runs through May 8th at the Geffen Playhouse.
Tickets available online from $45-75. Tickets are also available for $24.50-$39.50 on goldstar.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons Thursday after suddenly shutting down six months ago. -
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
Best of LAist