'Careless Love' takes comic look at romance

Len Jenkin's existential comedy "Careless Love" promises to shake up Valentine's Day this year.

The comic odyssey, which opens Thursday, Feb. 14, inverts the classic girl-meets-boy story, taking the audience on a nightmarishly hilarious roller-coaster ride through the world of Marie, an actor and aspiring poet, and her boyfriend Bobby, a model-turned-painter.

An insane plastic surgeon kidnaps Marie, leading the characters on a madcap international car chase complete with lounge performers. The production is directed by Nick Tamarkin, a veteran improv comedian and actor who has worked on Broadway and toured Europe.

"Careless Love" runs February 14-16, 21-23 and 28, and March 1-2 and 7-8 in the Hemsley Theatre, Vilas Hall.

Tickets are $14 for the public, $10 for UW-Madison students. For tickets and information, contact the Vilas Hall Box Office, 262-1500.