John is the president of a successful business firm, and Ellen is his mistress. They have a standing rendezvous every Wednesday and John leaves the next morning, after breakfast. Ellen lives in a penthouse that John fobs off as accommodations for visiting clients, so he can get the tax write-off. Cass and his brother have recently sold their business (manufacturing drawer pulls) to John’s, and realize, too late, they’ve been taken to the proverbial “cleaners.” Cass makes a special trip to New York City to confront John for his chicanery. A new receptionist at John’s firm has sends Cass to the penthouse by mistake, and later, John’s wife, Dorothy. Comedic chaos ensues.
At the outset, we see John finishing breakfast while Ellen pours his coffee in a frilly, translucent nightgown. When she reveals that today’s her birthday, he offers to spend the day, only to discover that scheduling blunders demand he must show up for work. Ellen is in tears when Cass knocks on the door, ready to read John the riot act. Of course, John’s not there, and Cass pretends to be John’s friend, needing a place to spend the night. The absent-minded secretary triggers awkward situations, and unresolved conflicts. When Dorothy shows up and finds Cass and Ellen arguing, she assumes they’re newlyweds, and insists they join John and she, for a night on the town.
Like other brisk comedies of the 60’s (Cactus Flower, Butterflies are Free, Barefoot in the Park) Muriel Resnik’s Any Wednesday finds humor in the foibles of romance, sex and disappointment. The difference is that Resnik doesn’t need to salve our wounds with an upbeat ending. It’s not depressing, but it’s not carefree. John is intelligent and savvy, but only wants what he can’t have. Ellen appreciates her situation, but never really reflects on what it costs her. Cass still believes that strength of character is rewarded. Dorothy seems to be the only one who embraces ugly truths with calm and sophistication. It isn’t just her seniority, she’s far better adjusted than her philandering husband, and is loathe to exploit others.
Any Wednesday is quite entertaining: sharp, emotionally evolved, surprising, ironic and strategically built. I’m not sure comedy is its most salient quality, but the narrative is touching and gripping. We care about Dorothy, Cass and Ellen and find ourselves involved in their lives. We witness their moments of anger and despondency. Joy and regret. Resnik sets hazards and epiphanies for them (and us) encouraging vicarious fulfillment. Resnik has the gift of making her story funny, canny, engaging and smart enough keep us on our toes. Any Wednesday may all turn on the new girl who still hasn’t figured out the switchboard, but even today, is that such a reach?
Rover DramaWerks presents: Any Wednesday playing January 10th-26th, 2019. 221 W Parker Rd, Suite 580, Plano, Texas 75023. 972-849-0358. www.roverdramawerks.com