NEW YORK WATER by Carol Kaufman Segal        

            The Pico Playhouse in West Los Angeles is the home to The West Coast Jewish Theatre’s production of a comedy entitled New York Water written by Sam Bobrick, and directed by Howard Teichman (Artistic Director of the theatre).

            The title of the play refers to the quality of the tap water in New York which, sometimes, loses its clarity due to the rusty pipes in its service.  It is about Linda and Albert, two single people in their mid-thirties, who meet through a personal ad in New York City.  While Linda (Bridget Flanery) awaits the arrival of her blind date, Albert (Ross Benjamin), it is obvious that she is a very paranoid and overwrought woman.

            Once Albert arrives, a very funny scene ensues whereby he and Linda learn enough about each other to make the decision that they dislike living in New York, that they will get married and move out of New York to a place that is slower and friendlier.  We are not privy to how or why, but they end up in Davenport, Iowa, to look for a less stressful life.   Hmm, maybe too calm, because after three months, they find Davenport too quiet, not enough decent job opportunities,  eople aren’t quite so friendly, and everything seems to depend on corn!  What can they do to change their boring lifestyle in Iowa?  Why, Los Angeles, of course!  They can find everything there to satisfy their needs make them happy. 

            Act II finds our two wistful characters in Hollywood where Linda, with her brazen characteristics, has suddenly become a changed woman who has risen in the world of celebrities, while Albert has fallen behind due to his insecure personality, working as a gardener for all of those celebrities!  However, Albert is not the one complaining, it is Linda who sees that their life is not working out well.  But where to go to next?!

            Sam Bobrick has written an amusing play with enough comedy to keep you laughing throughout.  Ross Benjaminm is delightful as Albert, the young man with little or no self- esteem.  (Benjamin is a near clone to his father, actor Richard Benjamin.)  Bridget Flanery is very suitable for her role, but unfortunately, she overplays her character and often shrieks her lines, which is very annoying.  All –in-all, New York Water is an interesting and comical look at how relationships change overtime, and who doesn’t need a good comedy these days?

            New York Water plays Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 3 PM, through December 17, at the Pico Playhouse, located at 10508 W Pico Blvd., Los Angeles.  Tickets are available by calling (323) 821-2449, or online at www.wcjt.tix.com.