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It's Just Sex
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“It’s Just Sex” at Two Roads Theatre in Studio City
A Smash Hit Not To Be Missed
By Debra Graff

“It’s Just Sex,” at the Two Roads Theatre (TRT), in Studio City, is the perfect date night entertainment, not only because it’s live theatre, but because it’s laugh out loud adult fun. It’s sexy, sophisticated, scintillating, smart, and serious all in one superb performance. The show has been playing to SRO audiences, certainly a novelty in LA. This unique phenomenon is due to the brilliant prose of author, Jeff Gould, the excellent staging of director/producer, Rick Shaw, and a gifted group of professional actors, Jackie Debatin, Gerald Downey, Mim Drew, Chris Payne Gilbert, Lisa Rontondi, and Michael Weaver, skillfully cast by co-producer, Shari Shaw.

From the minute you enter the TRT with its charming art gallery in the lobby, you feel like you’ve been transported off Broadway to a warm, cozy environment, where everyone is welcoming. Situated in the heart of homey Tujunga Village, you’ll want to leave time before and/or after the show to peruse the quaint local shops and restaurants.

“It’s Just Sex” starts out with a bang and side splitting laughs. You can tell the actors are enjoying themselves because the banter between them is so natural, with spot on timing of one liners everyone can relate to, such as, “a woman’s desire to talk is the same as a man’s desire to have sex.” Innovative staging of simulated shadow sex is a highlight sending the audience into rolling laughter. Even the perfectly placed silences drew constant chuckles.

The story takes place as three couples get together for a night of drinking, which turns into “tell the truth” games, bringing up issues of trust, fidelity, and honesty. Later on, the play becomes quite poignant with a bottom line theme that love runs deeper than just sex. In one significant moment, Gilbert’s character tells his wife, Debatin, “You excite me, you thrill me, you put up with me, you’re the perfect woman. I’d die if you left me.”

Debatin told me, “Every audience gets the topic in their own way. You can feel the humor in the crowds. Even though it’s about tough subjects like marriage and relationships, they still laugh. The small stage feels like the audience is actually with us at the party in the living room.”

Rotondi thinks it’s a major feat in LA when you can’t find a seat because the show’s sold out. She says the actors are having so much fun that along with her partner in the show, Downey, they’re actually laughing behind the curtain. She loves the “supportive, family feel of the TRT.”

Downey is thankful his character’s arc goes from being defeated to standing up for himself. He enjoys working with the talented cast. “We’ve bonded together, developed friendships, and hang out, except for the swapping part.”

Weaver enjoys the chance to act in a more serious role rather than his usual straight comedy, calling the play “humorous, real, and sad, all at the same time.” He appreciates TRT’s comfortable, intimate vibe, calling the strip out front, “a vibrant part of the city.”

Director, Shaw, believes in the show tremendously, wants to take it to NY, and is currently looking for investors. He describes it as “a success and a gem waiting to happen.” Finding a remarkable script is rare and he’s grateful to his good friend, Gould, and his masterfully-written play. Shaw feels fortunate to be working with his beautiful wife, Shari, acknowledging her for “being the backbone of the entire operation.”

Gould says “Rick is the icing on the cake, working with someone I enjoy, who’s open minded, with no ego or games.” Gould told me the actors are doing a fantastic job, are quite pure, and have impressive attitudes. His favorite topics to write about are marriage and sex, two things he hopes someday to be good at.

“It’s Just Sex” at Two Roads Theatre, 4348 Tujunga Ave., Studio City.
Contains discreet nudity, suggestive sexual behavior, adult language, and themes. No One under 18 admitted. Through February 28th. Fridays/Saturdays, 8pm; Sundays, 7:30pm. Running time: 1 hour 20 minutes. Call for tickets ($25-$30) at 818-762-2272 or online at www.theatremania.com/ticketing/index.cfm/int_showid/159127 .

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