Tosh, too, may have had a hidden motive for the arrangement, besides the political protest. Touting her Ivy League and Mensa credentials while committing malapropisms ("I'm glad you two have endeavored such a close friendship"), she proves in the end - as Danny tells a heartbroken Jane - "pathetic," if entertainingly so from our standpoint.
(L-R): Kelli Holsopple & Jenny Greer. Photo by Mike Klar.
The central image that gives the play its name is emblematic of Brewer's ability to merge higher concepts with slightly elevated but believable dialogue. Jane tells Danny that, like the animal of the title, "I climbed out of the tank...to be with you," knowing it wasn't an environment she could live in. "If I could find another octopus in the tank...I would choose that over you." The flowering of Jane's courage, and to a lesser extent Danny's, forms the backbone of the story, and Holsopple's bravura performance locks it all together, with more than able counterbalance from Tyson and excellent performances from Creighton and Greer, both of whom make the most of their scenes.
The supporting cast also includes Krista Sutton as Jane's stepmother, a former beauty queen who reveals an unexpected richness of character while representing the essential goodness of the human heart, and Andrew Dawson as a creepy fundamentalist bigot who is nonetheless - like the play - disturbingly smart and human.
An Octopus Love Story is presented by Kids With Guns and runs through May 20 at the Center Stage Theater in New York City. Tickets at Smarttix or call 212-868-4444.
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