←Recommendations of The Red Flags

The term psychopath has (unsurprisingly) a pretty much universally negative connotation. So it's fascinating to see one both treated sympathetically and inserted into a love story. That bold choice has resulted in a well-crafted, tight narrative that raises a host of interesting philosophical questions and continually goes in surprising directions.

A compelling love/not love story about what makes a relationship. It also covers the ripple effects trauma and mental illness can have on a family. Gabriella sees Red Flags in all the men she dates because of one traumatic experience. But when she meets Ric, who is a diagnosable psychopath can (and should) she relent and give in to love. The play will keep you guessing until the end.

What is love, but a risky proposition? You might as well go against all the warning signs and take that plunge. Somehow those imperfections make the marriage seem all the more likely to succeed in an upfront and crazy way. Love!

With characters who are dark, twisted, and swirling with psychoses, Castellani dares to present “The Red Flags” as a romantic comedy, and by and large, she succeeds. Improbably, one finds oneself rooting for the two main characters to get together precisely because they are so wrong for each other they’re a perfect match; despite all the red flags being raised throughout, these two could likely have a successful relationship... or they could kill each other. And that makes the play so delightfully suspenseful you hope the suspense will last.

And it does, long after it’s over.