Abstinence Book

THE STORY: The place is the front hall of a very chic Manhattan apartment, where the hostess, Winnie, is giving a party for one of her pet charities - in this case, Liars Anonymous. A late arrival, who is intercepted by the worldly wise maid, Martha, is one Danna - who claims to be both on the wagon and a very dear friend of Winnie. She is also, as it develops, rather close to Winnie's husband, Lon, as well (they claim to have shared a wild night of passion involving the bizarre use of vegetables). But if Lon is a philanderer, Winnie, according to Danna, is worse; and then there is Joe, a handsome rogue who informs the others that he is an incredibly rich physicist, has climbed Mount Everest solo, has a titled wife, and who sweeps Danna off her feet. As the conversation grows more dazzling (and the lies more extravagant) only Martha, the maid, remains unfazed by the whole mad scene - after all, she has seen it all many times before, and who cares what these crazy people do or say anyway?Written for the twentieth anniversary gala honoring New York's famed Circle Repertory Company (of which the author is a founding member) this witty, clever and very funny short piece pokes wicked fun at Manhattan's self-impressed smart set.