Mrs. Whiting’s New Book of Eligible Gentlemen was the Victorian answer to OKCupid, providing mail-order suitors to confirmed spinsters Florence and Viola. The internet is approximately 90 years away from invention, but Indulgences in the Louisville Harem proceeds just as it might today - any online dater will attest that hurling yourself into the dating fray sets you up for misunderstandings and mayhem and random hypnotism. Kentucky circa 1902 is no exception.
John Horlock’s comedy of old-school courting sets up the prayer-loving sisters to entertain a former vaudeville star, now mute, and the assistant he hypnotizes to speak for him. (Admittedly, that’s a little weirder than your standard OKCupid coffee date.) Off Broadway West's well-reviewed production of this Presbyterian-spinsters-meet-con-artists romantic comedy plays through July 30th.
Through July 30. Phoenix Theatre, 414 Mason Street. Tickets are $20-40 at 800-838-3006 or offbroadwaywest.org.
