Review: City Light's "First Day of School"

City Lights first production of the season kicks off their attempt to "bring sexy back." And does a great job. Billy Aronson's "First Day of School" is a great modern farce on today's marriage and our attitudes towards marital sex.

It's the first day of school and the PTA bagel brunch has been cancelled. Married couple Susan (Diahanna Davidson) and David (Tom Gough) realizing they have the day free try to come up with an activity to spend their day. After a few suggestions David casually throws out "How about having sex with other people?" After debating a minute more it's decided that Susan will go after Peter (Rich Miller), the local artist and David will attempt to go after Kim (Mandy Manousos), a very involved PTA mom.

There are amazing performances all around in this small ensemble cast. Tom and Diahanna deliver their characters with just enough cheese to remind of the classic television shows of the 1950s. Mandy's portrayal as an over-involved PTA parent is amazing and hilarious. Rich's shy awkwardness as Peter was quite believable. And I adored Courtney Walsh's use of movement and awkwardness as an uptight lawyer. This cast does well together but everyone manages to still hold their own. I didn't feel anyone overshadowed each other.

                                               (image courtesy of City Lights)

Something I really appreciated: complete facades. When doors and screens are opened it doesn't lead into some darkness or plain set. I loved that the set was fully dressed.

Overall, I would definitely recommend catching this hilarious show.