In Come Back, Little Sheba, William Inge captures a reality and makes the ordinary engaging and dramatic as a lonely middle-aged woman, beautifully played by S. Epatha Merkerson, trapped in a blank, unloved marriage, interacts with her off-center girl boarder, a quirky Zoe Kazan, and her jock boyfriend. Kevin Anderson gives a wonderful, multifaceted performance as her complex husband, sober almost a year. With a marvelous set by James Noone, exquisite lighting by Jane Cox, and perfect period costumes by Jennifer von Mayrhauser, the splendid cast, directed with insight and perfect timing by Michael Pressman, take us on a moving theatrical trip where every note plays true, including the dramatic finish. This is a play with heart, heartbreak, and an ironic inevitable conclusion. Good theater by one of our best playwrights.
