The CITY of CONVERSATION-a Verbose Play with Something to Say

The City of Conversation is a clever new political play that has a lot to say about the inner workings of social progress.  The feisty & irrepressible Hester (played unabashedly by Jan Maxwell) is a Washington hostess who serves policy pressure with a liberal agenda.  As is often the case, offsprings will oppose their parent's standpoints.  And, a democratic matriach will bear an heir that is a staunch republican.  Hester's prodigal son, Colin (Michael Simpson) returns home from college with fiancee Anna (Kristen Bush) in tow.  Anna's obsequious midwestern charms do not conceal the lion in sheep's clothing.  Playwright Anthony Giardina has written a contentious family drama within the paradigm of political sparring.  Many vitriolic diatribes are exchanged, making for a surprisingly entertaining & witty play.  Sacrifice is collateral damage essential for creating change.  "Wreakage leads to change which provides justification."  Can families be torn apart by opposing positions?  The past is in the past & too soon forgotten.  The cast is all 1st rate led by the wonderful Jan Maxwell.  For a talkative play, there is a lot of substance provided on our country's legacy from the Carter administration to Obama's inaugural.  Finally, a cerebral play about politics that gives up plenty to talk about and much to recommend.