About The Book

Marked by biting wit, hilarious parody, revealing characters, and a pastiche of pop culture, the plays of Christopher Durang have garnered acclaim, controversy, Obie awards, and a devout following. His new play, Betty’s Summer Vacation, has been acclaimed by Alexis Greene in InTheater Magazine as “the funniest play Durang has written since The Marriage of Bette and Boo.”

Looking for a little rest and time by herself, Betty rents a summer share at the beach. But Betty’s luck turns to delicious lunacy when this sensible Everywoman gets drawn into the chaotic world of some very unsavory housemates—her friend Trudy who talks too much; the lewd, seminaked Buck, who tries to have sex with everyone; and Keith, a possible serial killer who hides in his room with a mysterious hat box. With sand between her toes, walking a thin line between sanity and survival, poor Betty will leave her summer vacation more terrorized than tan.

Praise

“With a style that incorporates Brechtian alienation and Alfred Jarry grotesquerie, the deliriously assaultive, brashly funny Vacation defines to perfection the lurid, scandal-starved past decade.” –Erik Jackson, Time Out New York

“[Betty’s Summer Vacation is] not only wickedly funny but a trenchant commentary on the state of American culture and the most original play to hit the New York stage in years.” –Curtis Ellis, MSNBC

“Christopher Durang has finally come of age and proves to be every bit as sharp and caustic as England’s Joe Orton. . . . It’s simply his most brilliant play yet.” –David Kaufman, Daily News (New York)

“An outrageous black comedy that’s as sick as it’s funny–meaning very sick and wonderfully funny–Betty’s Summer Vacation is the new comic masterpiece.” –Michael Sommers, The Newark Star-Ledger

“The funniest new farce in years! By far Durang’s best play! Lifts off from the ground of brilliantly naturalistic comedy into the stratosphere of zany satire.