In 2002, playwright and naval reservist Charles Evered crafted a 10-minute sketch, “Adopt a Sailor,” in response to 9/11. His original version referenced the tragedy directly and became part of a theatrical presentation in New York City commemorating the event’s first anniversary. Evered later expanded the piece into a longer one-act, which focused on military service, society’s view of military personnel, and U.S. political and cultural conflicts. Here, a young navy corpsman from Arkansas spends the evening with an affluent but dysfunctional Upper East Side couple whose marriage appears to be near its end. Bob Fish, who had a big success with ACT I’s 2009 production of The Mikado, directs this hilarious, caustic yet tender study of the clash of regional differences — innocence vs. sophistication — while also examining the value in respecting others and their opinions. Nathan Leavitt, John Mack Green and Kelly Northcutt Hayes star. A discussion with cast and artistic team follows each performance.

— Martin Brady