Bad Dates

There's much to like in the contemporary comedy Bad Dates, an Off-Broadway hit that's currently sweeping the country's regional theaters. It's got a clever plot, revolving around the life of a divorced restaurant manager who, now that her daughter has reached adolescence, decides it's time for her to try dating again.

The title, Bad Dates, perfectly captures the essence of the play. Essentially, this chick comedy blasts the crazy men in one woman's life. For every gal who has been on a bad date -- and who hasn't? -- there's something identifiable here. However, it must be stated that Bad Dates is NOT totally about male bashing. Haley, the lone character, equally pokes fun at herself.

Playwright Teresa Rebeck has a way with dialogue, making Haley the kind of goofy girlfriend you always wanted. She can certainly tell a story, that's for sure. Whether she's riffing about the scary Romanian mafia types that own her restaurant, or the men she winds up dating, Haley gives the audience a vivid glimpse of her crazy, mixed-up world. She even defines a "bad date:" one in which "the guy talks endlessly about his ex-girlfriend, and you end up siding with her."

Don't expect a non-stop patter of one-liners. The laughs aren't plentiful nor uproarious, but Bad Dates has enough of a kick to keep the audience smiling. There are some genuinely funny sight gags, including Haley's gyrations as she puts on pantyhose. Another sure-fire laugh getter is Haley's shoe collection, which numbers near 600 pairs. Think of the small, New York apartment where Haley lives, and you can imagine where all those shoes might end up. The play lives or dies based on the talents of its lone actor, and Milwaukee is blessed with Elizabeth Heflin in the role of Haley. An accomplished actress, she and director Sandy Robbins team up to produce something richer than a TV sitcom.

You may not discover fresh insight into the relationships between men and women when watching Bad Dates, but you'll probably go home thinking you've had a good time.