A Contemporary American’s Guide To A Successful Marriage © 1959

Rated 4.0

Robert Bastron’s quirky comedy deconstructs the disaster that is American “traditional” marriage, using laughter to offer insight into how poor communication, rigid gender roles and unrealistic expectations are at the root of what ails the institution. Unhappy couples (Ian Cullity, Amanda Johnston, Stephanie Hodson and Joshua Glenn Robertson) get advice from a 1950s instructional film narrator; Justin Muñoz directs. Th, F, Sa 8pm. Through 7/13. $10-$20. Big Idea Theatre, 1616 Del Paso Blvd.; (916) 960-3036; www.bigideatheatre.com.