We saw a wonderful new play, This thing of Darkness, by Craig Lucas and David Schulner, directed by Lucas, at the Atlantic Theatre in Chelsea last night. (We're going back a second time, and I never do that.) Lucas' stageworks include Prelude to a Kiss, Dying Gaul and Blue Window, which just might help prepare you for the evening's conceits. Schulner is just now establishing a reputation as a playwright, and own works will soon be presented at the Globe in San Diego, the Joseph Papp in New York and South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa.

On one level (perhaps on every level) it is the story of friendship, love and family, although nothing that might be familiar to your own friends, lovers or family. Oh, it's also the story of our destruction of the planet. Why can't we just get along? And, yes, do you remember the Bonobos?

It's a very funny, very sad, wonderful, exciting piece of work gifted with an extraordinary cast, and it doesn't even open officially until the end of the month (closing two weeks later). We'd like to bring the world to West 20th Street in the next few weeks, for its own damn good---no, for all of our own damn good!