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Rating: 3 out of Fordyce

On stage now at Performance Network Theatre in Ann Arbor through February 13 is The War Since Eve. This show begins hours before women’s rights pioneer and outspoken feminist Roxie Firestone is about to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

She is  the mother of two grown daughters: Milty, her put-upon assistant, and the estranged Tara. Milty is already there with mom in Washington, D.C., and of course Tara shows up to give us a ride down a river of estrogen that is funny, naughty, dramatic, and poignant all at the same time. Henrietta Hermelin stars as Roxy; this veteran actress puts it over the top without putting it over the top. I know that is a fine distinction, but go see the show and you will know exactly what I am talking about.  Leah Smith is wonderful as the put-upon Milty, and one of my favorite actresses, Sarab Kamoo, is Tara, the prodigal daughter.

These women give you a great sense of Jewish moms and daughters and the delicate balance between sisterhood and motherhood. I want to give special mention Nan Luchini for the beautiful set and to Kim Carney for her script that captured it all.

While this show might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it filled my cup right up to the rim, giving it a very good 3 out of Fordyce.