Lips Together, Teeth Apart
by Terrence Mcnally

Name: Lips Together, Teeth Apart
Brand: Terrence Mcnally
SKU: 9780822206705
Rating: 3.54 (17 reviews)

Off-Broadway

Lips Together, Teeth Apart Book Cover — Lips Together, Teeth Apart Cover

Highlights

Small Cast

Female

Male

120 minsPresent DayExterior SetContemporary Costumes/Street ClothesAmerican LGBTQ Comedy

What readers are saying

Readers have mixed feelings about this play, with some finding it poignant and others feeling frustrated by its complexity and unlikable characters. Many appreciate McNally's writing style and thematic depth, but are disappointed by the perceived lack of focus and resolution. Overall, it seems that while the play has its merits, it might not be for everyone.

Poignant momentsAmusing writing styleStrong thematic depthConfusing narrativeUnlikable charactersLack of resolution

Synopsis

A gay community on Fire Island provides an unlikely setting for two straight couples who are discovered lounging poolside, staring out to sea.

Sally, married to Sam, a New Jersey contractor, has inherited the house from her brother who died of AIDS.

Sam’s hyperkinetic sister, Chloe, and her smug, aristocratic husband, John, have come out for the Fourth of July weekend.

Through monologues unheard by the others, the characters reveal a desperate sense of individual isolation.

The only people these four characters find more alien are the gay men partying in the houses on either side of them.

As they divert themselves from their own mortality with food, cocktails, The New York Times crossword puzzle, fireworks, charades and biting jabs at each other and the boys next door, Sally and Sam and John and Chloe find little to celebrate about themselves or their country on its birthday.

Press Reviews

"Terrence McNally’s fascinating and ultimately quite touching new play…seems to be built from Chekhovian blueprints."
— The New York Times

Characters

Character	Gender	Age	Description
Sally Truman his wife	female	—	his wife
John Haddock head of admissions at a boys’ prep school	—	—	head of admissions at a boys’ prep school
Chloe Haddock his wife, Sam’s older sister	female	—	his wife, Sam’s older sister
Sam Truman a self-employed businessman	—	—	a self-employed businessman