Staged Reading
A joint production with The Roustbouts Theatre
THE TALE OF THE ALLERGIST’S WIFE
Written by Charles Busch
Directed by Kim Strassburger
Produced by Phil Johnson
Cast: Phil Johnson, Jill Drexler, Debra Wanger, Wendy Waddell, Alex Guzman. Director Kim Strassburger
Wednesday, March 16 at 7:30 pm
In his first play written for a mainstream audience, playwright Charles Busch explores the Upper West Side milieu of aspiring intellectual and middle-aged upper class matron Marjorie Taub, who lives comfortably with her doctor husband Ira in an expensively furnished condo near Zabar’s and spends her days and evenings pursuing culture at various museums and the theatre. Her ongoing effort to improve her mind and soul has brought Marjorie to the conclusion she never will be more than mediocre, a feeling enhanced by her elderly mother’s constant complaints about her shortcomings and her husband’s altruistic dedication to serving the needs of the homeless. Following an emotional outburst in a Disney Store resulting in considerable breakage, Marjorie retires to the safety of her home to wallow in a mid-life crisis. Unexpectedly invading her depression is flamboyant childhood friend Lee who, much like The Man Who Came to Dinner, becomes entrenched in the Taub household as a seemingly permanent guest, not only drawing Marjorie out of her dark mood, but affecting her marriage as well. Adult Situations and Language
“The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.
Originally produced by the Manhattan Theatre Club on February 8, 2000. Subsequently produced on Broadway by Manhattan Theatre Club, Lynne Meadow Artistic Director, Barry Grove, Executive Producer, Carole Shorenstein Hays, Daryl Roth, Stuart Thompson and Douglas S. Cramer on November 2, 2000.
Scripps Ranch Theatre’s COVID protocols will be followed