Frank Cossa’s Witty Character Study Bows at the ATA

While sipping an adult beverage at a professional conference, Doctor Emma Vanderlyn (Isabelle Garbani) meets a charming man who she describes as “oddly cute, in a cutely odd kind of way.” However, to her horror the man turns out to be her arch-nemesis, tenured professor Pete Brasso (Alan Hasnas). Years earlier, Brasso had single-handedly brought to a near-halt the academic career of Emma’s husband, Josh Sperling (Dan Wuerdeman). Brasso had sent a letter to the editor of The Art Review, pointing out a serious factual error in Sperling’s article in the journal regarding the artist Whistler. This action led to Sperling’s credentials being questioned, culminating in the rejection of his own tenure. The incident, in her estimation, “ruined her life”— and she’s ready for revenge, but in a very unusual manner.

Thus begins About That Letter, a sharp and engaging one-act by Bronx-born Frank Cossa. To the sounds of the Pomp and Circumstance Graduation March, we flash back to Emma and Josh learning of Brasso’s letter; Josh is in despair—admitting Brasso is right, and correctly predicting the dire consequences of it. Emma seethes that the triumphant life path she had sought through her husband’s success is about to be denied her; she is almost Lady Macbeth-like in her rage. She scoffs at Josh’s suggestion that it will end up ok: “I don’t want OK, I want pretty damn good!”

Returning to the present, things have taken an unexpected turn—after copious drinks, Emma has “slept with the enemy.” Wearing the fluffy white robes of the hotel they are staying in, they bask in the afterglow the next morning, until Emma reveals her motives and gives us a clearer picture of the calculating, success-obsessed person underneath the professional charm and decorum.

“I wanted to know what it felt like to have sex with a man I detest,” she proclaims unapologetically. (There’s a slang term for that, but I won’t repeat it here.) Still reveling in the satisfaction of this, she gleefully assassinates his character, dismissing him as a poser and a hypocrite who rambles on meaninglessly (“A Rebel Without a Pause” is one of her more memorable dismissals). And circumstances only escalate from there…

The three actors bring Cossa’s compelling story beautifully to life, delivering his insightful and humorous observations with relish. It’s a terrific study of human interaction and dysfunction, and how the desperate desire to be somebody leads to some shocking life choices.

About That Letter is directed by Art Bernal with co-direction by Candice Jean-Jacques. It is presented at the Beckman Theatre at the American Theatre of Actors through December 21, 2024.