and baby makes seven
Playwright Paula Vogel's controversial "How I learned to Drive" brought her a Pulitzer Prize and international notice, but Vogel had been writing for years before that. Her 1984 play, "And Baby Makes Seven," takes stage this weekend as a final project for some of the graduating students in Chatt State's Professional Actors Training Program.
A lesbian couple are expecting a baby fathered by a gay male friend, and all seems rosy - until the couple's three imaginary children (voiced by the actors playing the couple) start to react to the idea.
Described in previous production reviews as examining what is "normal", Vogel's fascination with the role of fantasy in our lives - and what letting go of fantasy means - are a big part of this play. "Contains adult language and themes" is a fair warning, but if your interest in theatre extends to one of the most provocative playwrights working today, "And Baby Makes Seven" might be the evening out you'll be talking about for quite a while.
• PATP at Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga • Eastgate Town Center • 5600 Brainerd Rd. • $5.00 • 7:30 p.m. April 26-27 • 2:30 p.m. April 28 • (423) 987-5151 • ensembletheatreofchattanooga.com