Wendy Wasserstein’s early death of cancer at age 55 cut short her career, and her last play, Third, is regarded by some as her best work. I went to see Third at the DCPA last evening. The play is about a seemingly privileged young man at a privileged liberal arts college in New England and the conflict that he brings to a strident, feminist bully professor. The story is active, heavily layered (the lead character, Laurie Jameson, is a college professor, mother, wife and daughter going through lots of trials – as Wasserstein’s antagonists often do) and very moving, somehow. (It helps to be of one era, the 60s, or the other, Gen Y, for this show.)

The casting is wonderful, particularly the two youngest members. Billy Wheelan plays Woodson Bull III (Third) and Mattie Hawkinson plays Emily Imbrie, the youngest daughter of Wasserstein’s lead character. Those two show great heart as they lead the charge against the narrow focus that we’re all prey to when we believe in our heart of hearts that we’re right. (And, as you can imagine, there are some very funny political zingers in there!)

The play runs through October 20 at The Space Theatre (an intimate in-the-round experience, perfect for this kind of show.) Call the box office at 303-893-4100, look for tickets at King Soopers or go online to www.denvercenter.org.

Space Theatre at the Denver Center for Performing Arts
[where: 1101 13th St., Denver, CO, 80204]
303-893-4100