Onely.Org

Defending the Onely July 13, 2008

I turned on the radio and heard “couples all across America are in love with Defending the Caveman“.

That’s a comedic play about “the ways men and women relate”. (Both quotes from Defending the Caveman’s website). The radio station (Big 100.3) was promoting some ticket giveaway; the ad went on to say, “My husband and I loved it. . .” and “Great date show. . .” No input from any single audience members, or audience members who went with their friends. That struck me as interesting.

Years ago I saw Defending the Caveman, probably during one of my Onely periods and possibly on a date (if so, he must not have been a very memorable date).  I do remember identifying with the play on many levels and laughing so hard I almost choked on my own spit. But the Caveman/Big 100.3 ad seems to imply that couples will find the play especially humorous, and that singles might be less likely to “get” the jokes because they are not part of the secret couple club.

Most singles, unless they live locked in a literal cave (pun kind of intended), do relate and interact daily with the opposite sex and likely have even had intimate and longstanding relationships with them. But is the Caveman humor is so elusive and subtle that a viewer has to be in a current couple to appreciate the play? Almost seems so, according to the radio ad and the blurb on http://www.defendingthecaveman.com:

“A hilariously insightful play about the ways men and women relate, Caveman has both sexes roaring with laughter and recognition.  Affectionate nudging between audience members occurs during the performance as they recognize themselves in the stories being told on stage. Caveman makes us laugh at ourselves about all the ways men and women fight, laugh and love. Couples all across America are in love with Defending the Caveman.”

Even as a single person, I likely recognized myself, or exes, or friends in the play and probably did my share of nudging of audience members (the ones I knew, I hope!). 

–CC