Review: FOR WORSE at NJ Rep is an Enthralling Must-See Play

"Affairs don't just happen, you make them happen."

-For Worse

New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) is presenting the World Premiere comedy For Worse by Deborah Rennard, directed by Evan Bergman. The show is on a limited engagement through April 10th. It is a must-see show, totally enthralling and very authentic. This wonderfully crafted play is perfectly staged and will remind you of why you love to go to the theatre. It's an opportunity to experience a story about the human experience that is witty, thoughtful and and smart.

In For Worse, Peter and Karen have been married for nearly thirty years, are the parents of three adult daughters and also business partners in a renowned art gallery. When Peter breaks the news to Karen that he is having an affair with a much younger woman, he thinks she will end their marriage. But she vows to forgive him. Peter's problems are compounded by the fact that his mistress, Lucia demands that he leaves Karen immediately. Peter and Karen take time to explore the motives for Peter's infidelity. Could it have been Karen's devotion to her daughters, their lifestyle choices or a waning sex life? As the plot unfolds, we learn that Peter's philandering was not uncommon and Karen has some confessions of her own.

NJ Rep has assembled a stellar cast for the show. They include Kristin Griffith as Karen; Ed Kershen as Peter; Daniela Mastropietro as Lucia and Angie Tennant as Ashley. They are all so convincing in their roles, the scenes come to life before your eyes and keep you engrossed in the intense, often comical situations.

The NJ Rep Design team has once again done a fantastic job of bringing For Worse to the Long Branch stage with set design and props by Jessica Parks; technical direction by Brian Snyder; lighting design by Jill Nagle; sound design by Merek Royce Press and costume design by Michael Bevins. Jennifer Tardibuono is the Stage Manager.

For Worse is a wholly relatable, remarkably entertaining piece of theatre about a marriage that is hanging in the balance. It talks about love, duplicity and the complexity of the choices people make. Married couples and many more should see it while it is on the Long Branch Stage. This play is sure to go far.

For Worse will run through Sunday, April 10th at New Jersey Repertory Company 179 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ. 07740 Performances are on Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 pm, Saturdays at 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm and on Sunday's at 2:00 pm. Tickets may be purchased by calling 732-229-3166 or at www.njrep.org.

Photo Credit: SuzAnne Barabas

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