HOA Meetings Lead to Hilarity in The Balusters

Plays about meetings might sound boring, but they often make for compelling drama, whether the venue is a city council (The Minutes) or a school board (Eureka Day).

Building on this trend, David Lindsay-Abaire’s The Balusters zeroes in on a homeowner’s association. The play touches on common HOA issues, from uncleaned dog poop to stolen packages to period-inappropriate porch decor (the title items).

The main conflict, however, involves a problem intersection in the neighborhood. Worried about community safety, new member Kyra Marshall (Anika Noni Rose) wants to get a speed bump, stop sign, or traffic light installed.

Standing in her way is the rest of the HOA, led by Elliot Emerson (Richard Thomas), a rigid traditionalist who’s more concerned about preserving the neighborhood’s historic character.

While not all the jokes land and the ending isn’t totally satisfying, Lindsay-Abaire ensures that each character has depth. They’re not punching bags or objects of derision.

Even the leads aren’t wholly hero or villain. Thomas and Rose are terrific, playing each side of the issue.

Every cast member gets a chance to shine, however. Marylouise Burke and Margaret Colin are especially good as two HOA veterans. Colin’s hilarious monologue about her housekeeper brings the house down.

The Minutes is still the best entry in this subgenre, but The Balusters is a worthy addition to the canon. It shows that every group has (very entertaining) secrets.

At the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre through May 24

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