PHOTOS: Rare Gay Family Comedy Returns to NYC

Not seen on a New York stage for more than 20 years, lesbian playwright Paula Vogel's 1984 comedy And Baby Makes Seven opened Sunday in a revival at the New Ohio Theatre.

Directed by Marc Stuart Weitz, And Baby Makes Seven tells the story of Anna (Constance Zaytoun) and Ruth (Susan Bott), a lesbian couple creating an unconventional family with their best gay friend Peter (Ken Barnett).

"Tensions rise as the three adults prepare for the imminent arrival of their baby — and matters are made all the more challenging by the persistence of the three imaginary children who already live with them," press notes read. "The lines between fantasy and reality, child and adult, love and madness crisscross through this hysterically funny and deeply touching play about what it means to be a family."

"Paula imagined this particular non-conventional family a generation ago amidst a very different cultural landscape," Weitz adds. "Today, 'modern families' are becoming more visible on television, in movies, and on-stage — And Baby Makes Seven was on the bleeding edge of that cultural wave. Decades ago, some audiences were so shocked by two lesbian characters kissing onstage and the unusual make-up of this family that they, perhaps, were unable to focus on the larger story. For me And Baby Makes Seven is really about the question, 'What do I need to sacrifice to be ready to be a parent?' That's a question many people wrestle with, and Paula explores it in a way that is funny, edgy, and very honest. I'm so grateful that Paula has allowed us to reintroduce this story to New York audiences after a 20 year absence."

Vogel's other plays include The Baltimore Waltz, Hot 'N' Throbbing,and the Pulitzer Prize-winning How I Learned to Drive.

Produced by New Ohio Theatre in association with Purpleman Theater, And Baby Makes Seven runs through April 12.

For tickets and more information, visit AndBabyMakesSeven.com.

Susan Bott, Ken Barnett, and Constance Zaytoun

Ken Barnett, Constance Zaytoun, and Susan Bott

Ken Barnett and Susan Bott

See more production photos on the next page.

Constance Zaytoun and Susan Bott

Constance Zaytoun and Susan Bott

Susan Bott and Ken Barnett