The Mai

The Mai is a fine modern Irish play featuring four generations of Irish women, ranging from feisty 100-year-old Grandma (Shirley O’Key, who’s “only” 87) to the teenage beauty Millie (Carissa Meagher). The central figure is the Mai (Bonnie Antonini), a good-looking, resourceful 40-ish woman who’s successful at almost everything in life except her heartbreaking marriage. This production is not as continuously sustained as playwright Marina Carr’s script. But there many marvelous scenes, particularly in the play’s second half, like the late night gathering of the Mai and two sisters, discussing love’s disappointments over drinks and breaking into song.
The Space at California Stage, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday; $12-$20. Special St. Patrick’s Day performance on March 17 at 7 p.m., $25. 25th and R Streets, (916) 451-5822, www.calstage.org. Through March 25.