Synopsis The orderly lives of Mattie, an obsessive-compulsive housewife, Thomas, her scholarly husband, and Doris, her agoraphobic older sister are thrown off balance when their politically correct sister, Miranda, uses their home to conduct interviews for the entertainment for her son’s birthday party. The play begins with Mattie and Doris engulfed in a pre-planned philosophical discussion on morality. Miranda calls and insists that she use their house to interview performers for her son’s party, because he is at home sick. Miranda arrives and interviews Rainbow Sprinkles, a kind-hearted elderly clown. However, Miranda finds corruption in his act and refuses to hire him. The next day, Mattie and Doris are engaged in a debate on creativity. Miranda arrives to interview a mime. After an extensive interview, in which she cuts most of his act and insists that he not wear mime make-up and that he talk, Miranda has hired a performer. Meanwhile, the fearful Doris decides to leave home to bring soup and comfort to her sick nephew. On the third day, Thomas stands in for the philosophical debate on mortality since Doris has disappeared. Finally, Doris arrives dressed as a magician, with the clown and the mime. She reveals her plan to take over the birthday party. When Miranda arrives and refuses to cooperate with the outlandish party plans, Doris ties Miranda to a chair. The group leaves their hostage to attend the party without the birthday boy’s over-protective mother.

Brett Femrite, Joe Shimek, Rosanna Leahy, and Stephanie Diamond in Basement Code at McKinney Repertory Theatre in McKinney, Texas. Directed by David Gutierrez. Photographer: Jacob Correll.

Running Time: 2 hours 30 minutes Set: connected living room and kitchen (interior unit) Cast: 3 M, 3 F