Boston Marriage

... Show More
Presents a comedy of errors set in a Victorian drawing room featuring the banter and scheming of Anna and Claire.

72 pages, Paperback

First published July 1,2002

About the author

... Show More
David Alan Mamet is an American author, essayist, playwright, screenwriter and film director. His works are known for their clever, terse, sometimes vulgar dialogue and arcane stylized phrasing, as well as for his exploration of masculinity.

As a playwright, he received Tony nominations for Glengarry Glen Ross (1984) and Speed-the-Plow (1988). As a screenwriter, he received Oscar nominations for The Verdict (1982) and Wag the Dog (1997).

Mamet's recent books include The Old Religion (1997), a novel about the lynching of Leo Frank; Five Cities of Refuge: Weekly Reflections on Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy (2004), a Torah commentary, with Rabbi Lawrence Kushner; The Wicked Son (2006), a study of Jewish self-hatred and antisemitism; and Bambi vs. Godzilla, an acerbic commentary on the movie business.


Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 29 votes)
5 stars
10(34%)
4 stars
9(31%)
3 stars
10(34%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
29 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
... Show More
The funniest work ever written about my people is truly a remarkable piece. It delves into the unique characteristics, idiosyncrasies, and humorous aspects of our community with great wit and charm.

The author has an uncanny ability to capture the essence of our people in a way that is both entertaining and endearing. Through vivid descriptions and hilarious anecdotes, we are taken on a journey that showcases the lighter side of our lives.

This work not only makes us laugh out loud but also gives us a new perspective on ourselves. It reminds us that even in the midst of our daily struggles, there is always room for humor and laughter.

It is a celebration of our culture, our traditions, and most importantly, our sense of humor. I highly recommend this work to anyone who wants to experience the joy and laughter that comes from reading about a truly unique and wonderful people.
July 15,2025
... Show More
I have an intense love for Mamet's unique style of writing, specifically his quick, funny, and entirely natural conversational pacing. It's truly a delight to experience.

When this distinct pacing is combined with the fascinating topic of sharp 20th century lesbians, the play instantly skyrocketed to the very top of my favorites list.

The combination of these elements creates a captivating and engaging experience that keeps me hooked from start to finish.

If by some chance this play ever gets produced in the vicinity of where I live, I can assure you that I'll be the very first person in line, eagerly waiting to buy tickets.

I simply can't wait to see it brought to life on the stage and experience all the magic and excitement that it has to offer.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Lliure is a concept that holds great significance. It represents freedom, liberation, and the ability to be unrestricted. In a world where many are bound by various limitations and constraints, lliure offers a glimmer of hope.

It allows individuals to break free from the chains of conformity and explore their true potential. With lliure, one can pursue their dreams and passions without the fear of judgment or restriction.

It empowers people to make their own choices and live life on their own terms. Whether it is in the realm of art, science, or personal growth, lliure provides the necessary space and freedom for innovation and progress.

It is a powerful force that can transform lives and bring about positive change. Let us all strive to embrace lliure and experience the true essence of freedom.
July 15,2025
... Show More

Conceptually, this play seemed to hold all the elements that I could conceivably desire. It had the potential to be a truly engaging and entertaining experience. However, in practice, it fell short in several aspects. Firstly, the jokes failed to land. They seemed forced and lacked the spontaneity and wit that would have elicited laughter from the audience. Secondly, the characters did not come alive for me. They felt one-dimensional and lacked depth and complexity. There was no emotional connection that I could establish with them, which made it difficult for me to become invested in their stories. Overall, while the concept of the play was promising, the execution left much to be desired.

July 15,2025
... Show More
I truly relished the lightning-fast manner in which Mamet presents dialogues in his other plays. And in this particular play, the way the characters interact with each other is simply on a whole different plane.

They showcase both wit and devious personalities, which ultimately drive this comedy of errors forward at a brisk pace.

Their exchanges are filled with sharp retorts and clever maneuvers, making the play a captivating and engaging experience.

I had the opportunity to read this play during my college years, specifically in 2005 - 2006.

It was a time when I was exploring different literary works and this play by Mamet left a lasting impression on me.

The unique style of dialog delivery and the complex personalities of the characters made it a memorable read.

Even now, years after reading it, I can still recall the excitement and entertainment it provided.

It is a play that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in experiencing a masterful work of comedy.
July 15,2025
... Show More
I spontaneously picked up this book at the university library.

It served as a wonderful respite from the other materials I was reading at that time.

I managed to get through it in just one day.

Although I'm not overly familiar with David Mamet, this story truly captured my heart.

The way he crafted the narrative, the vivid characters he created, and the engaging plot all contributed to my enjoyment.

Each page seemed to draw me further into the story, making it difficult to put the book down.

I found myself completely immersed in the world that Mamet had built.

Even now, after finishing the book, the story still lingers in my mind, leaving a lasting impression.

I'm looking forward to exploring more of David Mamet's works in the future.
July 15,2025
... Show More
This week, it boiled down to a choice between Boston Marriage and Private Lives. We really needed a comedy, especially after having just read Macbeth and In the Blood, and considering the state of the world and the state of the States.

The people voted, and Private Lives won by a narrow margin. Someone excitedly said, 'Great! Let's do it!' But then, to our surprise, a copy of Boston Marriage was found instead.

It turns out that a three-character play isn't the best option when eight people show up to read. However, if 2020 has taught us anything, it's that nothing is perfect, but we still have to keep going. So, basically, I had to cut people off every ten minutes to switch roles. Was it a table read in a hackjob style or a table read in the 2020 style? And is there really a difference?

Now, in the play, not much actually happens. A couple of women engage in witty and innuendo-filled banter, while a third woman serves as their not-so-willing foil. They snipe and jab at each other because neither can or will admit that she has feelings, but they both know it. This is clearly not a new conversation for them.

The Internet tells me that this play was written partly as a response to critics who noted that Mamet really didn't write female characters well. But I'm not sure what to make of that. Of course, I'm delighted to have lesbian characters, but I'm also a bit...well. Is this really all he could come up with when he decided to write about lesbian characters? One of them sleeping with a man and the other lusting after a possibly underaged girl? And is it even a Boston marriage? As far as I could tell, they don't live together, although the group was divided on that point.

The play had its moments and brought a much-needed lighter side to the Wednesdays of 2020. But I'm not sorry that this was just a one-evening play.
July 15,2025
... Show More

A very good and extremely funny drawing-room style play presents a captivating story about two former lesbian lovers. Their elaborate machinations ultimately draw them back together in a rather unexpected way. Mamet, the playwright, often doesn't receive sufficient credit for his remarkable sense of humor. However, when he is truly in his element, as he is in this play, it becomes a spectacle that is truly a joy to behold. The way the story unfolds, with its twists and turns, keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. I really found myself thoroughly enjoying this particular play. It offers a unique blend of comedy and drama, with well-developed characters and a clever plot. It's a play that leaves a lasting impression and makes one appreciate the talent and creativity of Mamet.

Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.