‘Becky Shaw’ opens at Centenary Stage

Almost every adult has had at least one blind date that failed to live up to expectations.

But even the worst of those stories has to take a back seat to the blind date at the core of “Becky Shaw,” a darkly comic play by Gina Gionfriddo that will receive its New Jersey premiere at Centenary Stage Co. starting today.

Without spilling too many beans, the date between the enigmatic title character and a cynic named Max sets off a series of revelations and reversals that blur the border between comedy and thriller.

“There’s an element of danger here,” says Lynne Taylor-Corbett, who is directing “Becky Shaw.” “The characters are broken and flawed. It takes you right to the edge of being shocking.”

At the same time, however, the play is extremely funny, adds Taylor-Corbett. She praises Gionfriddo’s gift for crafting smart, witty dialogue.

(Gionfriddo’s credits include episodes of “Law and Order” for TV, as well as the plays “After Ashley” and “U. S. Drag.” “Becky Shaw,” which had an off-Broadway run, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2008.)

The monumentally bad blind date between Max and Becky may be the starting point for the play. But the central character is Max’s best friend, Suzanna. She sets up the date with the help of her new husband, Andrew, who works with Becky.

“Becky Shaw” also deals with Suzanna’s mother, Susan, whose diagnosis of multiple sclerosis has not stopped her from taking a much younger lover.

Taylor-Corbett thinks that audiences will embrace “Becky Shaw.” “I want people to come in with an open mind and a listening heart,” she says. “I want them to go on this ride with us.”

“The story is like a ping-pong ball,” says Alycia M. Kunkle, who plays Suzanna at Centenary Stage Co. “You have lines echoed throughout the play by different characters.”

“I’m a huge fan of Gina Gionfriddo,” adds Kunkle. “I was very excited to be cast in (‘Becky Shaw’). I’m interested in how funny it is, and how dark it is.

“This is a play about different types of love and the different relationships in life,” Kunkle says. “Yes, things in the play are outrageous. But I think that, in every character, you can find something to identify with.”

Kunkle is no stranger to Centenary Stage Co. She worked as an intern at the theater, and she was featured in the company’s 2012 production of “The Ladies Man.”

“This is home,” says Kunkle, who has a master’s degree in theater from Ohio University and recently completed a national tour with Boston Chamber Theatre. “Being here taught me so much. I’m grateful to be back.”

Taylor-Corbett, who earned Tony nominations as director and choreographer of the Broadway show “Swing,” is also a fan of Centenary Stage Co. In 2015, she directed the world premiere of “In the Car with Blossom and Len” at the theater.

“I go where my interests take me,” says Taylor Corbett. “I started as a choreographer and director, and now I find I’m doing more plays. I had a wonderful time here last year, and ‘Becky Shaw’ is proving to be incredibly positive, too.”

Both Kunkle and Taylor-Corbett say they appreciate the fact that Centenary Stage Co. will offer offbeat fare, such as “Becky Shaw” and “The Nether,” the science-fiction play that opened the 2015-2016 season. “This is a historic time in theater,” says Kunkle. “We’re recognizing more female writers and minority writers. I’m proud to see that Centenary Stage is doing its part to do that.”

BECKY SHAW

WHEN: Through March 6

WHERE: David and Carol Lackland Center, Centenary College,

715 Grand Ave., Hackettstown.

TICKETS: $25 for Fridays and matinees, $27.50 for Saturdays. $17.50 for children under 12.

“Two-for-one” tickets on Thursday evenings.

INFO: 908-979-0900 or www.centenarystageco.org