Assistance

Leslye Headland’s viciously funny satire—set among stressed-out assistants to a sadistic offstage boss—aspires to be a Gen Y Glengarry Glen Ross with a sweeter finish and a place for women. Headland is a keen weaver of sharp, modern-day screwball patter. And her cast, headed by frisky Michael Esper and the adorably manic Virginia Kull, work it brilliantly.—David Cote