Actresses Marilu Henner, Marsha Mason, Julia Sweeney, and Benja Kay Thomas star in the play “My First Ex-Husband,” which is being performed at the MMAC Theater in Manhattan. The run for this rotating cast ends on Sunday, May 18th.
Tony nominee Randal Myler directed this Off-Broadway play from a script by comedy maven Joy Behar (“The View”).
‘My First Ex-Husband’
In “My First Ex-Husband,” Behar dives deep into the messy truths of love, marriage, and divorce, revealing the chaotic, funny, and often eye-opening realities of relationships. Behar made the welcoming remarks via a video greeting message.
Sweeney kicked off the show with “Clothes Make the Man?” where she was witty as Serena. It was followed by Marsha Mason recalling the time her character, Jessica, hooked up with a Native-American in “Walla Walla Bang Bang.”
Benja Kay Thomas was fierce in “Where Are You At,” which was equal in excellence to the interpretation that Tonya Pinkins had invested in it (in a prior run of this show). Finally, Marilu Henner was sublime as the socialite June in “The Widow.”
For the second half of the play, Mason delivered in “Wigged Out,” as a Jewish woman named Rebecca, which was the lengthiest of all the skits. Watching Marsha Mason in this show in person, felt like watching quality television all over again, and she reminiscent of Betty White meets Gena Rowlands.
It was followed by Benja Kay Thomas and her powerful execution of “The Drummer’s Wife,” while Henner was noteworthy in “The Touch.”
Sweeney closed the show with “Get Off of Me,” where she plays a woman who has a husband that is obsessed with making love with her all the time.
The Verdict
Overall, Marilu Henner, Julia Sweeney, Marsha Mason, and Benja Kay Thomas were all delightful in “My First Ex-Husband.” It was an engaging, feel-good, and fun Off-Broadway experience.
Every woman brought something distinct to the show. While they did have their scripts in front of them at the podium, it is safe to say that all of them had their parts memorized and none of them had to look down at them.
Once again, Randal Myler did an exceptional job with the show’s direction, and he brought it to life in an organic and refreshing manner. This rotating cast of the play should be commended for a job well done.
To learn more about “My First Ex-Husband,” check out the official website.
Read More: Marilu Henner interview
