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Three “best friend” couples are celebrating a new phase in life together. After years of bonding over the trials and tribulations of childrearing, their kids are now off to college, and they’re left “alone together” wondering exactly who and what should be a part of their new lives. The stage is set for brutally honest (and hilarious) evaluations, self-reflections, and dramatic resolutions. The Cocktail Party Effect shows what can happen to us when we are “fired” from the greatest job we’ve ever had - being a parent.

Iconic comedian Paula Poundstone is known for her smart, observational humor and a spontaneous wit that has become the stuff of legend. She regularly plays theaters across the country, hosts a weekly comedy podcast, Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone, and is a regular panelist on NPR’s Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me. She also voiced the character ‘Forgetter Paula’ in the feature films Inside Out and Inside Out 2.

Xian Zhang conductor
Gabriela Montero piano
New Jersey Symphony

Ranaan Meyer, Double Bass & Vocals
Nick Kendall, Violin & Vocals
Charles Yang, Violin & Vocals

Three “best friend” couples are celebrating a new phase in life together. After years of bonding over the trials and tribulations of childrearing, their kids are now off to college, and they’re left “alone together” wondering exactly who and what should be a part of their new lives. The stage is set for brutally honest (and hilarious) evaluations, self-reflections, and dramatic resolutions. The Cocktail Party Effect shows what can happen to us when we are “fired” from the greatest job we’ve ever had - being a parent.
