Porn-Again Puritans

Warning: This play is NOT Hester Prynne's comeback. In fact, it doesn't even take place in the 1700s, or involve immaculate (or, rather...maculate) characters of Puritan descent. Written by two Dallasites, local favorite Porn for Puritans is an eclectic commentary on the vicissitudes of modern relationships between men and women. Your everyday theater experience it is not: The 2-person cast performs a strange mix of monologues, dialogues, songs and stand-up. The somewhat awkward arrangement might actually be a perfect way to reflect that unstable and confusing stage of romance that precedes a cacophonous relationship. But don't worry--the show is not meant to poke at your bruises. It's out to make you laugh in wonder over the foolishness that can be love, sex, and dating--so if you find yourself tearing up, you probably are watching The Scarlet Letter, or should consider seeing a therapist about your romantic woes. This year's production comes after the passing of Leigh Tomlinson, who partnered with Tim Wardell to write the original version that ran for its first time in 2004, selling out each of its 24 shows. Wardell, who also played the male character its first go-round, is joining with newbie Meagan Norris this year under the direction of John S. Davies, to tackle the play again...with an added 13 pages of fresh material. So both old and new Porn followers have ample (and supple?) reason to attend the performance. It shows at 7 p.m. this Thursday and Friday, and Thursdays through Saturdays August 6 through 15. Tickets cost 15 dollars and can be reserved through the McKinney Avenue Contemporary Theater box office (214-953-1212, or [email protected]). Additional info can be found online at pornforpuritans.com and the-mac.org.
Thu., July 30, 7 p.m.; Fri., July 31, 7 p.m.; Thu., Aug. 6, 7 p.m.; Fri., Aug. 7, 7 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 8, 7 p.m.; Thu., Aug. 13, 7 p.m.; Fri., Aug. 14, 7 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 15, 7 p.m., 2009