Wrecks -- Theater Review

Playwright Neil LaBute loves to push audiences' buttons, never shying away from explosive themes, particularly in exploring male-female relationships. In the scribe's best works, such as the film "In the Company of Men" and the play "Fat Pig," this approach has paid off with profound yet disturbing insights into gender politics. In "Wrecks," LaBute's one-act solo piece featuring Ed Harris, the playwright saves a startling character revelation for the final few minutes. With no time remaining for viewers to fathom the shocking news, there's little to do but rack one's brain to recall clues to the outcome. LaBute's 80-minute monologue is part classic Greek drama and part bait-and-switch hucksterism, honoring gimmickry over dramaturgy.