"Boston Marriage" is the name of earthy playwright David Mamet's most recent effort, now at the Players' Ring. It's also a euphemism coined by writer Henry James for a cohabitating relationship between two women. It applies to relationships both platonic and lesbian, the latter of which our heroines happen to be in.

The Victorian-era story begins with Anna (Kristan Robinson) well pleased with herself for finding a "protector" (in this day and age, we'd call him a sugar daddy) that will keep she and her lady-friend Claire (Leslie Pasternak) in style and off the streets. As a token of his affection, he's bestowed upon Anna an expensive gift. Alas, Claire's eye has wandered; she's developed a passion for another, much younger, lady, but she doesn't want to risk the security of the homefires she already has burning. Claire coerces Anna into letting her indulge in this illicit affair. Anna agrees, but only after angling some quid pro quo of her own. Clarie's young friend then pays a visit...and makes a shocking discovery. From there, Anna and Claire scheme and connive a way to smooth over all-that-should-not-be-known to their outside love interests without sending their house of cards a-tumbling. Caught up in the hijinks is their hapless Scottish maid Catherine (Whitney Smith) who must not only serve her strange and catty mistresses, but weather Anna's constant Irish slurs, as Anna cannot keep the maid's nationality, nor even her name, straight.

MaryAnn Robertson has directed the show beautifully, blocking each fast-paced scene to keep the audience at attention, while allowing the story to flow to good advantage. She serves the humor in the script by inserting it naturally into the language, rather than enhancing a series of punch lines, and encourages her actors to play off their foils well. The only plot point that isn't drafted quite as well, in my opinion, is Claire's big decision in the third act-the motivation of her choice, also the enormity of it, seemed a little fuzzy. Overall, though, Robertson does a lovely job of storytelling.

The light of this show is the beautiful young Whitney Smith as the put-upon maid. She swallows a great deal of abuse, but here and there she gives it right back to her mistresses, and when she does, it's delightful. Her Scottish accent is colorful and rich, and her physical reactions are every bit as full as her spoken words.

Newcomer Leslie Pasternak is a treat as the fickle Claire. She makes skillful use of her sardonic wit and sense of timing. She's distant but charming, forcing those who love her to grovel for her attention, and words drip from her mouth in a delightfully honeyed way. Pasternak makes us really love to hate her. But interestingly, we find ourselves rooting for her all the same.

Kristan Raymond Robinson's Anna is a woman desperately in love, but haughty. Robinson uses her beautiful voice and enunciation to speak the Victorian prose very quickly, which gives the impression she's fluent in the flowery language. It's an effective technique and a smart performance; however, she speaks so quickly it's difficult at times to follow the unfamiliar speech patterns. This is tough on a comedy, but may rectify itself as the run continues.

David Mamet's script is full of innuendo, sensuality, and intrigue, making for a fun and hilarious night of Victorian perversity.

"Boston Marriage" runs through Sept. 18 at the Players' Ring, 105 Marcy St. Portsmouth, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sundays at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 general admission, $8 students and seniors. For reservations, call 603-436-8123.