In Fireworks Lie Secret Codes

by John Guare

The scene is a penthouse terrace on Manhattan's West Side, where a group of friends had gathered to watch the Macy's Fourth of July fireworks display on the Hudson River. As they sip wine and call out the changing colours, they also reveal the unrest beneath their apparent ease: one of the two male lovers who share the penthouse has decided to return to his native England; another couple sheepishly admits that they are fleeing Manhattan life for suburban New Jersey. The play ends as it began—good friends exchanging amusing anecdotes in the spirit of relaxed companionship—but the glints of truth which have emerged make it clear that their lives are more troubled and uncertain than appearances might suggest.

Genres: Plays

16 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice short scents with decent monologues.

[shel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stands the test of time beautifully.