Synopsis
Period of Adjustment or High Point is Built on a Cavern
Published by Dramatists Play Service
4 Male 5 Female
Tennessee Williams called Period of Adjustment 'a Serious Comedy' and in so doing he put his finger on its most unique aspect, for this is a work which combines a humorous viewpoint with deep-seated concern for a very real, human situation
It tells the story of two marriages at points of acute crisis
One couple has just broken up after five years together
The other has not been able to come to terms after one day of marriage
Both couples are living through a period of adjustment - the phrase is tinged with irony
The play examines the sources of the crisis
Ralph Bates, a former war hero, has in-law trouble
George Haverstick, a war buddy who unexpectedly visits him on Christmas Eve with his bride of a day, has the shakes - his difficulty seems to be a fear of impotence
The end is happy, as comedy requires
The four go to bed
In the right combinations!
REVIEWS
There are lines that sparkle with freshness of insight. There are scenes that erupt with laughter. There are affecting passages of barely articulated tenderness ~ NY Times