DAPHNE'S DIVE by Pulitz Playwright Quira Hudes Plunges into Rubbish

Distinguished playwright, Quiara Alegria Hudes received the Pulitizer Prize for Drama ("Water by the Spoonful") and a Tony Award with Lin-Manuel ("In the Height.")  My expectactations for her latest work as resident playwright at Signature Theatre were high.  Unfortunately, "Daphne's Dive" is an overly ambitious political play that stumbles over its lofty goals.  It transforms into a garrulous mess.  Any message Hudes intended becomes muddled amongst its motley patrons in a seedy bar belonging to Daphne.  The cast of camaraderie castoffs who gather to gab include an artist whose makes art from garbage found in dumpsters, an older "Kerouac" biker, Daphne's affluent sister married to a successful entrepeneur and aspiring polititian, Jen, a free spirit, persistent social protestor and Ruby, the young girl who lived above the bar and becomes the adopted daughter to Daphne & beloved by all. The play begins with Ruby (Samira Wiley of "Orange is the new Black") announcing her age "I am 11."  This is the segway used for this 2 hr, 1 act play to move the timeline:  "I am 15," I am 20" and "I am 29."  A police raid causes the tenants above the bar to disperse quickly leaving 11 yr old Ruby to fend for herself.  Ruby hides in the dumpster where she is rescued by the artist.  Daphne fights for & gains custody of Ruby.  The two have a loving relationship & Ruby becomes the integral center amongst the "Cheers" crowd.  However, the focal point of the play is Jen with her multitude of political protests.  The Pandora's box of social issues released included: poverty, alcoholism, incest, sexual orientation, HIV, immigration, feminism, racism, democracy, personal liberties, etc.  The broad schism between   characters, plot & social issues is disruptive to the play.  "Daphne's Dive" is an incomprehensible mess that immolates its intent.  It's disappointing with such a talented playwright & cast this show tanked.