Review: Antony Raymond's World Premiere of PRETTY BABIES Explodes With Grit and Relevance

Antony Raymond acts as both scribe and director in his world premiere drama PRETTY BABIES, now playing at 13th Street Repertory Theater. With an ensemble cast featuring Stacey Roca (UK The Office), Christopher Heard, Dan McVey, Sara Antkowiak, Benjamin Bauman, and Mary Beth Albers, this gritty new drama explores the taboos and roller coasters of modern relationships.

The story follows Jason (Heard) and Claire (Roca), whose turbulent relationship is rocked when Jason allows Claire to sleep with Billy (McVey) for cocaine. Meanwhile, Jason's long-lost sister, wild girl Randi (Antkowiak), travels from California to New York with Bauman, who leaves his sister (Albers) in LA. Events explode- the name dropping of the title alone is enough to send shivers down your spine, with a pang of realization. The newfound siblings bond over their extremist views on the opposite sex and relationships in general, as the others reel over the kindling of new feelings. It's a timely, relevant piece for a new age of young people in love, and finding themselves.

All performances take place at the newly renovated 13th St Rep Theater, 50 West 13th Street (between 5th & 6th Avenues), New York, NY 10011. Subways: F/V/1/2/3/4/5/6/N/R/Q to 14th street. Running time: 80 minutes. Tickets are $18.00 and are available at www.elsinorecounty.com.

Show Dates: Thursday, February 26th @ 8:00 pm; Friday, February 27th @ 9:30 pm; Saturday, February 28th @ 9:30 pm; Thursday, March 5th @ 8:00 pm; Friday, March 6th @ 9:30 pm; Saturday, March 7th @ 9:30 pm; Thursday, March 12th @ 8:00 pm; Friday, March 13th @ 9:30 pm; Saturday, March 14th @ 9:30 pm; Thursday, March 19th @ 8:00 pm; Friday, March 20th @ 9:30 pm; and Saturday, March 21st @ 9:30 pm.