3.5 out of 5 stars

With its snappy retorts and hard-not-to-laugh-at characters, Gina Gionfriddo’s “Becky Shaw” almost has a retro feel – like you’re watching a Neil Simon play that never got staged. Except Simon didn’t write a play that involves sorta siblings who sleep with each other (it’s a complicated story) – to say nothing of a play with references to pornography, suicide, blackmail and racism. Ultimately, this is a dark comedy about relationships among lost souls. But no matter how funny the jokes may be, they sometimes feel out of place. Still, the excellent cast – Linda Emond especially -- does keep you hooked…and laughing. — Charles Passy

Presented by Second Stage at the Hayes Theater, through June 14; 2st.com. (Review date: April 10, 2026)