This adult "dramedy" concerns the early history of the vibrator, at the dawn of the electric age, as a doctors' treatment for women's "hysteria." It is just funny enough to be entertaining rather than embarrassing to watch — but the characters are sincere and relatable. Their emotional pain, excitement, frustration, confusion and longing are the stuff of drama.
Amy Winchell is the energetic young wife and new mother with her proper gentleman/scientist husband, Jeff Magnuson, a physician who has a thriving business applying his electric device to "hysterical" patients, notably the repressed/depressed Erin Hoffman who is brought in by her uptight and frustrated husband, Doak Bloss. Artist Joe Quick is also a beneficiary of this exciting new invention. Relationships are complicated, including wet-nurse Gay Oliver and physician's assistant Gini Larson. Jealousies and attractions abound as each tries to make sense of the "music of their own bodies" and to feel their way toward intimate connections.
In the lobby, check out real, antique vibrator on display, along with its instruction booklet and posters for Victorian-era vibrators. Read "The Pathology of Female Sexuality" essay Mary Job wrote in the program.
In the Next Room continues through June 29, 8pm Thur/Fri/Sat and 2pm Sun. Bargain prices: $10 adult/$8 senior/$6 student.The Ledges Playhouse is inside Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge. Free parking for theatre patrons. www.overtheledge.org