The Qualms
Mainstage Theater
A new play by
Bruce Norris
Directed by Pam MacKinnon
NEW YORK PREMIERE
Thou shalt covet thy neighbor's wife. And thy neighbor, too, at this suburban get-together for partner-swapping couples. Drawn in by The Lifestyle's promise of freedom and titillation, newly married Chris and Kristy attend an alcohol-fueled party for swingers, only to find themselves at odds with the idea of free love and, suddenly, each other. Idealism devolves into chaos in this sharp, sardonic assault on the struggle for power, and the sexual politics of getting laid.
“Buoyant, amusing, vivid, tangy, beguiling, engaging, and rawly funny.”
— Charles Isherwood, The New York Times“★★★★ Critic’s Pick! Bruce Norris is a master of peevishness and acrimony with bravura dialogue, perfectly set-up jokes, and juicy jeremiads. Pam MacKinnon directs a strong and frisky ensemble with her usual flair.”
— David Cote, TimeOut New York
“A thrilling ride! Norris is a source of complicated pleasure. Very well acted and spiced up by smuttiness.”
— Jesse Green, New York magazine“More like a massacre than an orgy, and very possibly Bruce Norris’ best! The Qualms is as fully alive as Clybourne Park but dares to cut even deeper.”
— Jason Clark, Entertainment Weekly