The world of philately may not seem the stuff of great drama, but if anyone can make studying rare stamps interesting theater, itยs playwright Theresa Rebeck. Those who saw the Alley Theatreยs productions of Bad Dates or The Scene can attest to Rebeckยs fine theatrical acumen. Her 2007 Mauritius focuses on two half sisters who inherit a valuable stamp issued from the island of Mauritius during the Victorian Era. Three experts want the prize, and they all appear ready to do whateverยs necessary get it. Rebeck, who told The New York Times that her main themes are ยbetrayal and treason and poor behavior. A lot of poor behavior, ย turns what many might think of as the most boring hobby on the planet into a suspenseful tale full of mystery and darkness that, according to the Times, ยunfolds in a series of Darwinian power shifts and with staccato dialogue in which itยs impossible to tell who has the upper hand or whoยs scamming whom.ย See who wins at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2:30 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sundays. Through May 3. 615 Texas. For information, call 713-220-5700 or visit www.alleytheatre.org. $21 to $67.
Tuesdays-Sundays. Starts: April 10. Continues through May 3, 2009
This article appears in Apr 9-15, 2009.