Middle age sucks for a foursome of smart New Yorkers in Melissa James Gibson’s much-adored off-Broadway hit comedy This, getting its regional premiere in this production by Main Street Theater. At the story’s center is Jane, a single mom-teacher-poet, who is filled with sadness and regret. Her close friend Tom is married to her other close friend Marrell. There’s also Alan, Jane’s sad gay friend, who’s cursed with a dead-on memory — even for things he’d rather forget.

All four are stumbling toward middle age and the resignation that comes with getting too old to dream big any-more. Between laughs, disappointment, betrayal and grief, all get their moments in This. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. Through April 24. 2540 Times. For information, call 713- 524-6706 or visit www.mainstreettheater.com. $19 to $40.

Thursdays-Sundays. Starts: April 7. Continues through April 24, 2011

This article appears in Apr 7-13, 2011.