Set during Christmas in 1183 in medieval France, King Henry II’s sons battle, not only for the position of “successor to the throne,” but also for parental affection. Familial competition is truly a high art in this articulate work of distinctive language and caustic wit. The King’s estranged wife favors their eldest son, while Henry champions his youngest as his heir. With intelligence and humor, this fictional play presents a historically accurate picture which still resonates with relevance today. These characters from 800 years ago still quarrel with spouses, compete with annoying siblings, indulge in adultery and sexual experimentation, and struggle to balance work and family. This quintessential drama of domestic turmoil and competing ambitions is as ageless as civilization.

In Neil Simon’s wild and irreverent comedy, loosely based on the Biblical Book of Job, Joe Benjamin (Joe B.), a God-fearing tycoon, has his faith in God tested, while the audience has its ability to keep a straight face tested. Joe believes it was God’s will that put him in his Long Island mansion with high-maintenance wife, Rose, prodigal son, David, the twins, Ben and Sarah (with a combined I.Q. of 160), and Mady and Morris, the wise-cracking household staff. Then, Sidney Lipton, an unlikely messenger from God (and a movie buff), pays a visit. He warns Joe that, unless he renounces God, life is not going to be so great, in fact it’s going to be hell on earth. The humor gets wilder and funnier as the devastation and torture increase in this contemporary morality tale with a razor-sharp edge.