Slippery When Wet

As an Asian-American woman and African-American man trade insults, slurs, and outrage, you might think this play is vintage Penumbra, a socio-political episode wrought from American race relations. But when sexual tensions enter the fray–given the electric, Tony-and-Maria attraction between these two, they should be exchanging kisses, not insults–Slippery When Wet becomes something altogether sharper and saucier. Throw in some national and racial identity crises for good measure, and the play could be something like an updated Jungle Fever for the literary set. 270 Kent St. N., St. Paul; 651-224-3180; www.penumbratheatre.org