The Clean House

[lucypr]

Sarah Ruhl's unpredictable and sublime rumination on the importance of laughter and mess in our lives. Four markedly different, yet intimately connected women grapple with order, cleanliness, and the messy ambiguities of life in a quirky and unexpectedly moving comedy about love, loss, and the power of a good joke. This whimsical romantic comedy centers on Matilde, a Brazilian housekeeper who is more interested in coming up with the perfect joke than in cleaning. Lane, the lady of the house has an eccentric sister who's nuts about housecleaning, so she conspires to take over for the maid in secret. Trouble comes when Lane's husband reveals that he has found his soul mate. A poignant, unpredictable and wildly funny look at class, comedy and the true nature of love. Aug. 24-Sept. 19; International City Theatre, Long Beach Performing Arts Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach CA 90802; $29 - $42; (562) 436-4610 or www.InternationalCityTheatre.com.