Self-Doubt at Core of Comical ‘Knit’

What’s a thirtysomething girl (make that woman) to do when she’s shunted aside by society in general--and men in particular? Being trapped between generations is no treat, especially when “lowering expectations” are accompanied by anxiety levels so high they could register at Caltech.

With unabashed political incorrectness, Theresa Rebeck unleashes major laughs in her female-bonding, male-bashing comedy “Loose Knit” at Theatre Geo. Five directionless gal pals form a knitting circle, hoping that female solidarity will help combat their feelings of uselessness and futility. However, when it leaks out that one of the members is sleeping with her sister’s husband, their circle takes on a Madame DeFarge-ian tinge.

Geo Hartley’s well-timed direction and a comically intuitive cast mitigate the work’s potential stridence--but can’t quite shore up its plot. Among her self-doubting friends, Carla Capps’ Margie emerges as a veritable guru of uncertainty. Ray Proscia is delightfully detestable as Miles, the wealthy, misogynistic “date from hell.”

A belated attempt to give the male characters equal kvetching time stretches the comedic conceit--and an overlong second act--to the breaking point. Sans structural problems, however, Rebeck could speak for a generation that is, if not exactly lost, then certainly misplaced.

* “Loose Knit,” 1229 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Ends Feb. 27. $15. (213) 466-1767. Running time: 2 hours, 35 minutes.