Aunt Lakie’s Not Coming to Dinner. Susan Rabin’s dark comedy about two sisters visited by an unusual mailman who drives them to unveil long-suppressed family secrets. Directed by Jim McCunn. Opens Jan. 30, 8:00 pm. Runs Jan 31 – Feb. 14, Fridays at 8:00 pm, Saturdays at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm. $25-30. Phoenix Theatre, 414 Mason St., San Francisco. Tickets:
https://www.BrownPaperTickets.com
Playwright Susan Rabin serves up a savory little stew in her sharply crafted dramedy, Aunt Lakie’s Not Coming to Dinner. Sisters Claire and Iris, two “women of a certain age,” live by themselves in the family home in suburban Chicago. Claire seems solid and dependable as she acts as caregiver for her rebellious older sister Iris whose mental health is “questionable.” A family tragedy triggers a dramatic confrontation between the sisters, which is further inflamed by an unusual Mailman with extreme ideas. We learn that Iris’ sarcastic humor and Claire’s ‘good daughter’ role mask past hurts and shocking family secrets. Rabin has created three compelling characters in a comedy that moves them into darker places.