It takes a while for the title character to appear in the revival of Gina Gionfriddo’s play Becky Shaw. When Becky does appear, she changes the dynamics of the play. Becky is a catalyst who doesn't change from beginning to end. Instead her character emerges as she causes the others to show their true colors.

The play begins with the death of Suzanna’s father and Max, a money manager, (wonderful Alden Ehrenreich) trying to help Suzanna (Lauren Patton) and her mother Susan ((Linda Emond) deal with the muddled financial estate. Although Max has been raised like a son by Suzanna’s parents, he and Suzanna turn to one another for comfort and wind up having sex.

Suzanna is depressed and almost suicidal, so Max suggests that she do something different. She decides on a ski trip where she meets Andrew who is attracted by her sadness, and the two marry shortly afterwards.

They fix Max up on a blind date with Becky, a temp in Andrew’s office. Max, a snob and incredibly honest without any care for people’s feelings, rebuffs her immediately. Yet when the two are robbed, it doesn't stop him from sleeping with her. Becky calls him repeatedly afterwards but he ignores her, and Suzanna chides him for having no empathy.

Becky is despondent and attempts to hurt herself, so Andrew feels responsible and becomes very attentive to her. This causes Suzanna to fear for her marriage. Becky (Madeline Brewer), appearing to be fragile and vulnerable, is actually very much in control. Becky enters the scene and refuses to leave. Although she appears helpless, she has strength and is a true manipulator.

Andrew is seemingly a vanilla character. Gentle and soft-spoken, he even cries as porn movies. He is quite a contrast to the acerbic, brutally honest Max. Played by Patrick Ball (Dr Landgon from The Pitt) he is almost bland, until one recalls that vanilla ice cream is the most popular flavor.

Mother Susan is ill but realizes that her money buys her what she wants, even a no-good boyfriend. Emont is hysterical with her sardonic delivery, as she shoots from the hip with her clear view of the world. Her health had kept her in her marriage but at least her money can afford her a boyfriend, even though he’s a grifter.

Larry David of the eponymous TV show has made a career out of saying exactly what he thinks and doing whatever he wants - whether it’s using the handicapped bathroom or berating the gal online tasting several gelato flavors. As abrupt and shocking his behavior is, he’s entertaining. Max and Susan are similar. They are blunt and often hurtful but honest. Their comments are sometimes shocking and often mean but their characters are actually fun for the audience and well-portrayed by Ehrenreich and Emond.

Directed by Trip Cullman, the production is well worth a visit. The cast is excellent, and the play is well-written and entertaining. Characters appear to be something until they show another side of them. Sometimes it takes a character like Becky Shaw to bring that out in them.