Of all people it's the union organizer in Lillian Hellman's rarely performed 1936 play who exclaims, "I hate poor people! I hate the meanness and cowardice that comes with poverty." But what comes with wealth? Hellman explores the emotional decay and isolation of the moneyed class in this tale of a factory-owning family caught amid escalating labor troubles. While union busting provides context, the focus is on the family members' inability to empathize with one another. Illicit sex and murder aren't far behind. Under the skillful direction of Kathy Scambiatterra, Artistic Home serves up an invigorating production brilliantly acted by an ensemble cast. --Marissa Oberlander

Price: $15-$25