BWW Reviews: SAVING KITTY at NJ Rep Entertains with Thought Provoking Humor

"Saving Kitty," a comedy by Marisa Smith opened at the New Jersey Repertory Company in Long Branch on Saturday, July 27th and the audience enjoyed every minute of it. Smith has succeeded in writing a play that is completely entertaining and truly thought provoking. Drawing on her personal experience, Smith's writing examines behaviors that are commonly associated with the right and the left and calls them into question.

Kitty, a lovely young professional woman, brings home her new beau, Peter, to her ultra-liberal parents, Kate and Huntley who live on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Peter, an Evangelical Christian, will soon be the principal of a religious school in the Bronx. Kate attempts to thwart their very serious romantic relationship; she totally abandons social protocol speaking bluntly about Kitty's former relationships, and ridiculing Peter's conservative ideals. Huntley, a dedicated and loving father, is somewhat removed and distracted from the family drama as he deals with a Middle East crisis for his United Nations job. While the young couple's love for each other is clear, they must confront the clear differences in their backgrounds.

"Saving Kitty" plot has a few shades of "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner." Yet, it is completely unique. As conversations unfold, conflicts and tensions begin to surface. The play examines an important social issue. It challenges our perceptions of stereotypes; liberal, conservative, religious, atheistic, and differing cultures. The humor is often bittersweet as the characters face real personal dilemmas.

The impeccable direction of Evan Bergman guides the company of four through a series of seamless interactions and the roles are perfectly cast. Judith Hawking plays Kate, who is tragically humorous and doesn't miss an opportunity for banter. John FitzGibbon as Huntley is reserved, thoughtful, and tries in vain to maintain a level balance within the family. Perky, and pretty, Sarah Nealis as Kitty is the centerpiece of the action as her best interests are paramount. Christian Pedersen plays Paul, intelligent, considerate and much more polite than he should be in light of the attacks made on his religion and character by Kate.

Audiences, young and old should see "Saving Kitty." And many will leave the theater asking themselves, "Who needed to be saved after all?"

Performances of "Saving Kitty are at the New Jersey Repertory Theater on Thursdays, and Fridays at 8:00 pm, Saturdays at 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm through August 25th. The New Jersey Repertory Theater is conveniently located on Broadway in Long Branch, convenient to Pier Village and the shore area. Tickets for all performances can be obtained by visiting their web site at www.njrep.org or by calling (732) 229-3166

Photo: Courtesy of New Jersey Repertory Theater