4 out of 5 stars

It’s perhaps best to think of Joshua Owen’s “Human Things” as two plays in one. The first act is a “Gilligan’s Island”-like dramedy featuring two couples – one thirtysomething, the other senior – on a remote island as a typhoon eventually bears down. The second act, set in the storm’s aftermath, is more dystopian and ruminative – and addresses questions hinted at from the beginning. Most notably, what does it mean to be, well, human and value life? The two acts don’t coalesce perfectly, but there’s so much to admire and enjoy, especially with a powerhouse cast that includes Tony winner Victoria Clark.

At the West End Theatre, through Oct. 18, 2026; humanthingsplay.com.