Theater: “Danger and Opportunity” @ East Village Basement Theater

One of the most intriguing things about “Danger and Opportunity,” Ken Urban’s new play in the East Village, is the venue itself. To reach the theater on East 9th Street, you must descend a steep flight of metal stairs into a 500-square-foot basement space, formerly an apartment and before that, a beauty salon. It has been decorated as a living room, and wooden chairs surround three of its sides. The theater seats about 30 people semi-comfortably.

Even more intriguing is the plot: the story of a New York City “throuple,” (fka a “menage a trois.”) which consists of a gay married couple and—wait for it— a woman!

It starts innocently enough: Christian (Ryan Spahn), a 40-something teacher in a NYC private school, has reconnected, via social media, with Margaret (Julia Chan), a classmate from Catholic HS days. He invites her over apartment for drinks and the chance to meet his husband Edwin (Juan Castano).

As the night progresses, wine flows, and inhibitions disappear, Christian and Margaret begin reminiscing about their HS relationship which we discover was sexual. In fact, Christian admits he still has sexual fantasies about Margaret. Edwin is initially shocked by what he hears but says the thought of C and M having sex arouses him, too.

This leads to a sexual hookup—be advised, people: nothing explicit happens on stage. What was intended to be a one-shot deal, becomes more regular and over time, Edwin, initially an observer, becomes an avid participant.

Soon, the three become inseparable. Overnight stays become the norm and the “L” word (love) is spoken. Margaret moves in. Unfortunately, complications do too.

This play which resembles Harold Pinter’s “Betrayal” is excellent: Urban makes a convincing case for why such a throuple might happen, although some couples may find it unlikely and just downright strange that a woman would disrupt a gay marriage.

Both Spahn and Castano, whose work we know, are terrific as is Chan whom we’ve never seen before. Because you’re so physically close to the actors, you may feel as if you’re eavesdropping on a private conversation. Chalk it up to direction by Jack Serio, and lighting by Stacy Derosier who takes us in a flick of a switch from scene to scene.

No big-name stars. No triple-digit ticket prices. Just a basement in the East Village and a theater that looks as comfy as a living room. Instead of sitting around yours, check out “Danger and Opportunity.” Now through April 25 at East Village Basement.

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