Two Faced” is an engrossing, in-your-face female perspective on growing older amid society’s misguided expectations. Growing older naturally just isn’t a plus in modern society, a fact adequately demonstrated by Lynne Adams’ portrayal of a middle-age East Coast housewife and ex-designer coming to terms with herself and with aging.

The subject is explored in a humorous, witty and entertaining performance.

With a Laura Ashley-inspired bedroom as the setting and getting dressed (more like wrapped and bowed) for a job interview as the motivation, Adams’ character offers a view of the ritual that some women go through in their quest to continue looking youthful.

During the ritual of making up and getting dressed as well as others, Adams introduces her world. It includes a big house in the suburbs that she may lose, several children, an ex-husband and his new, younger wife, an ex-business partner (and potential new boss) and a best friend.

Richly written and skillfully brought to life by Adams, these unseen characters become real with their own virtues and flaws — never one-sided, they are neither saints nor sinners.

This production does not berate society for its wrongs. Instead, it gives males insight (and even some identification), and allows females to chuckle and nod in agreement.

Perhaps the intimacy of this production is due to the sister team of Lynne and Brooke Adams. They’re both actresses of note (Brooke in films and Lynne, primarily TV and the stage); this marks Brooke Adams’ directorial debut and an opportunity to work once again with her sibling (the two performed in a production at the old Callboard Theatre in the mid-1980s).

Adams’ bedroom is given a cheerful life by peach- or honey-hued lighting by veteran designer Robert W. Zentis.

Two Faced

(Theatre 1761, Los Angeles; 46 seats; $ 15 top)

Production: Finn Carter and Theatre 1761 in association with Tony Shalhoub and Treat Williams present a play in two acts by Lynne Adams; director, Brooke Adams; producer, Finn Carter; set and lighting design, Robert W. Zentis; costumes, Carter. Opened Oct. 14, 1994; reviewed Oct. 29; runs indefinitely.
Cast: With: Lynne Adams.

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Two Faced