THE MEDICINE SHOW American Directions

Wendell Morris deftly handles this romantic comedy about cancer.

When sardonic cartoon writer Taylor is diagnosed with colon cancer, he resolves to drink and deadpan his way through the entire affair, from the insufferable sympathy of friends and co-workers to the inherent indignities of hospitalization. But Taylor meets more than his match in Lynn, a feisty, soulful leukemia patient and longtime cancer ward resident.

This is a real comic gem-exceptionally well-written, refreshingly honest, brash yet poignant in spite of itself. Jonathan Silverman and Natasha Gregson Wagner are absolutely terrific. In fact, Morris elicits first-rate performances all around and stellar work from his crew. The soundtrack by The Fun Girls could not be more delightfully perfect.