Review: Sex With Strangers

Since its inception five years ago, EMH Productions has only staged a couple of shows a year, and understandably, because it’s a one-woman operation. Elise Hodge, a local casting director and video producer, acts, directs and produces the EMH productions, bringing in cast members and production assistance when needed.

Staying true to her promise to create “provocative and compelling theater,” Hodge currently is presenting Sex With Strangers, a two-character play that touches on relevant issues including generational and gender divides, social media challenges and how we reconcile personal vs. public images.

The audience is cautioned beforehand about vulgar language and adult content in Sex With Strangers, though there is nothing particularly outrageous outside of explicit talk and simple sexcapades; sometimes that makes sense, and sometimes it just feels gratuitous.

The plot centers around two people unexpectedly meeting up at a remote bed-and-breakfast that does not have Wi-Fi. Olivia (Hodge) is a once-successful middle-aged author whose B&B visit is interrupted by Ethan (Tory Scroggins), a young internet sensation who wants to be taken more seriously. And since there is no connection to the outside world, the two must go old-school in finding out about each other.

Playwright Laura Eason is also a producer for the TV drama House of Cards, so plot twists and surprise moments are her forte. Though there are some intriguing moments and issues explored in Sex With Strangers, at times the story and characters feel forced. One of the main problems is Ethan’s aggressive character and Olivia’s intrigue and acceptance of his behavior over time. If Scroggins added a bit more charm and less creepiness in the beginning, the notion that Olivia would instantly and continually tumble for him would be more credible.