Play deals with balance of careers, search for love

"Sometimes I want to clean up my desk and go out and say, 'Respect me, I'm a respectable grown-up,' and other times I just want to jump into a paper bag and shake and bake myself to death." According to the Princeton Language Institute, those words were spoken by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Wendy Wasserstein, who wrote "Isn't It Romantic," which will be performed today and tomorrow at the Buskirk-Chumley Theatre.\n"Isn't it Romantic" is a comedic tale revolving around two women, Harriet and Janie, who have been friends for years. But they find their lives being turned upside down as they search for the perfect man while trying to balance professional careers and the values that have been the basis of their bond.\nA story full of laughs, love and irate discussions about telephone bills promises to be a crowd pleaser when the curtain rises at 7 p.m. today.\nWasserstein is famous for her play "The Heidi Chronicles," which won the Tony award for best play in 1989, and is known for her tales dealing with the struggles of contemporary women and Jewish culture. \nAfter two months in the making, the cast of "Isn't it Romantic" is ready to bring this vivid tale of life, struggle and friendship to the audience. \n"It's been an emotional roller coaster," said junior Carly Roetter, who plays Janie Blumberg, one of the leads. "But we're ready. I want to communicate with the audience, to show them these characters." \nFreshman Gavin Blumenthal, who plays Marty Sterling, said he believes the play's high energy is a result of the unexpected plot actions. \n"Luke (Pennington) plays a character, for example, Vladimir, that just randomly shows up on one of the character's doorsteps one day," Blumenthal said. \nThe play's bizarre antics such as this, he said, will keep the audience interested.\nRoetter noted that at first glance the play might seem geared more toward a female audience, but said it was a truly brilliant play that should appeal to a wide audience.\n"It's just a really sweet story," Roetter said. "It's about cracking jokes and having fun."\n"Isn't it Romantic" was chosen with the help of the Hillel Center to expose the work of a Jewish writer. Blending Yiddish into the dialogue with ease, Wasserstein's careful thought allows Jewish culture to be expressed, yet still remain subtle enough that the audience won't be overwhelmed. Wasserstein saves her social commentary until after the laughter has died down, making her work poignant, yet still enjoyable, Blumenthal said.\nBlumenthal added that "even offstage there's always laughing, and that's why the play is going on."\nBlumenthal described the play as "fast-moving, serious, ultimately hilarious and really a collection of touching and familiar scenes."\nIn addition to the energetic storyline, the production boasts a cast with experience and a variety of talents. Roetter is a member of the improvisational comedy group All Sorts of Trouble for the Boy in the Bubble while senior Jennifer Biggio, who plays opposite Roetter as Harriet, joins the stage after work as an assistant director and costume designer for last year's performance of "Beau Jest." \nFull of warm feelings and a few jitters, Blumenthal said the cast is eager to perform after a two-month period of rehearsal that included both high and low points.\n"Some days I just wanted to go home, eat some chocolate and cry," Roetter said before quickly adding, "But when it's done, everyone has had fun, and it's really been a blessing to work on this play."\n"Isn't It Romantic," sponsored by the Helene G. Simon Hillel Center, plays at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Wednesday and 9 p.m. Thursday at the Buskirk-Chumley Theatre, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave. Tickets are $7 ($5 with DH card) and are available at the Hillel Center, 730 E. Third St., for advanced sales. Call 336-3824 to reserve tickets.