Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to check out the play Beyond Therapy at Bay Theatre Company in Annapolis with the most amiable of dates: my mom. During the opening scene, I was reminded of why I never go on blind dates or answer personal ads. Bruce and Prudence, the main characters, meet at the cleverly named Restaurant Restaurant and proceed to compliment and then insult each other, generally creep the other out and finally throw glasses of water on one another. Prudence proclaims that she does not wish to have a second date because she fears that Bruce is insane.
After this nightmare of an outing, they retreat to their therapists to rehash the situation privately. Bruce's therapist, Charlotte, tells him he needs to continue to be honest and open by crying at the dinner table and proposing marriage upon first meeting. She rewards him for his openness by making her plush Snoopy doll kiss him and bark in his face. Prudence's therapist, Stuart, advises her that she should continue to have an affair with him – and that no this will not negatively affect her treatment.
The duo end up on a second date due to a strange twist of print communication. Partly responsible is the fact that Charlotte forgets which patient she's talking to in the middle of a session. Another issue arises when Bruce's gay lover decides to pay a visit to Charlotte, on Bruce's recommendation, and is encouraged to express his feelings openly by shooting Charlotte and Bruce.
Dating is hard, meeting that right person is hard, but it is not normally this funny; or is it? I'm sure some of you have some stories to share. Okay, I'll admit it. I have some too.
Check out the play on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through March 20. It's on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Take a blind date with you. It will definitely make you look better.
