Well (2006)

As a monologuist, Lisa Kron has been likened to Spalding Gray. As a playwright, she's been compared to Pirandello. But Well, an ambitious mess of artifice and contradictions (''It's a solo show with other people in it,'' says Kron, who plays ''Lisa''), defies categorization—and, often, comprehension. Though Kron's tale — actually, that of her allergy-ridden ''housewife savant'' mom (a marvelous Jayne Houdyshell), a Midwestern civil rights activist — is compelling, it's hampered by a self-conscious structure and hammy supporting cast. ''It's a theatrical exploration,'' says Kron. ''It's not meant to be a well-made play.'' That explains a lot. (212-239-6200)