There is some self-indulgent frippery going on at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater at Lincoln Center. But as the playwright is John Guare, he has certainly earn the right to be indulged. And because the playwright is John Guare, his frippery is far funnier than most.

The plot is far too complicated and intricate to recount here but essentially a playwright character who’s name is remarkably similar to the actual playwright is taken on a wild ride with many a twist and turn. The play’s title is taken from a whaling term where sailors in a small boat harpoon a whale and then are taken on a wild ride across the sea until either the sailors or the whale expires. Director Jerry Zaks has created a pace and smile that certainly mimics such a ride.

It is fun to see a new Guare play and the performers (including John Larroquette, Douglas Sills and Will Swenson) provide verve and talent aplenty. Not one of the wonders of Mr. Guare’s catalogue but always amusing.

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