Two couples (from left: Richardson Cisneros-Jones as Carson, Leigh Wulff as Elise, Schoen Hodges as Bobby, and Rebecca Larsen as Danielle) ponder a unusual proposal in Michael Shaw Fisher’s The Amazing Sex Life of Rabbits.
Many elements of Michael Shaw Fisher’s comedy The Amazing Sex Life of Rabbits remind one of other works that use the familiar trope of a childless couple, unable to conceive, going to extreme lengths to become parents. Here, the factors that decide the deal are typical of the darker riff on the Golden Rule—i.e., “Whoever has the gold, makes the rules.” In Fisher’s 75-minute show at the Fringe Encore Series, fanciful variations on the trope provide enough laughs to forget today’s economic disparities.
Two couples—the women are friends on Facebook—arrange to get together for dinner and to discuss a proposal. One couple, Elise and Bobby (Leigh Wulff and Schoen Hodges) is struggling with recent economic upheavals. They, and particularly Elise, are nervous about meeting the other couple.
Danielle demonstrates her commitment to the ways of a furry friend.
The second couple, Danielle and Carson (Rebecca Larsen and Richardson Cisneros-Jones) arrive bearing gifts befitting their fabulous and immodest wealth: a selection of wines from their vineyard. Oddly, Danielle lovingly cradles a rabbit doll she purchased at a gas station on the way to dinner. As a greeting, Carson offers “Now, as you might know, I am quite wealthy—nine figures.”
The couples know one another somewhat. Years earlier, Bobby was married to Danielle and worked for Carson. Elise, the newbie, very quickly reads the group dynamic.
The economic disparity between the couples mirrors their personalities. Bobby is a chill writer dude who always seems to be a beat behind the conversation. Elise is a chef whose catering business crashed because of her partner’s illegal business practices. Danielle is a psychiatrist, the bestselling author of a self-help book; she is also developing a television show. Carson is a successful entrepreneur, soulless and prone to displays of grandiosity and pomposity.
The balance of power tips heavily in favor of the monetary version of the Golden Rule. As the “We want a child” negotiations play out, Fisher spins entertaining variations on the theme. When the proposal is revealed—10 cents for Bobby’s sperm—he is insulted and adamantly refuses.
“Larsen and Cisneros-Jones are delightful as unhinged one-percenters, awash in money and resources.”
Carson offers: “The healthy average male produces anywhere from 80 to 300 million sperm cells per throw.” A writer, not a mathematician, Bobby explodes: “That’s what, like 20 thousand dollars?”
When the offer is clarified to be for each sperm, Carson explains the starting offer is $20 million for “that magnificent sperm of yours.” Fortunately, a cooler and much smarter head prevails, and Elise wisely responds to Bobby: “I think we need to consider this.”
As the driver of the deal, with full-throated support and unlimited resources from Carson, Danielle sets forth her demands, followed by Carson’s. To sweeten the pot for herself and Bobby, Elise creatively counters that she will sleep with Carson—for an additional $5 million. Hypercompetitive (and randy) To Bobby’s chagrin, Carson counters Elise’s counter, and she’s backed up by Danielle:
Elise: Bobby, do you comprehend the jealousy we’re going to experience moving forward if we go through with this? If I were to just let you sleep with your ex-wife and that was it? It would ruin us.
Danielle: She’s right. This is the only way to make sure she’s not the only one in torment, to make the suffering equitable ... which, psychologically speaking,does open the path to empathy.
Bobby and Elise commit to make the best of what could be a damaging undertaking. Photographs by Molly Murphy Weinberg.
Larsen and Cisneros-Jones are delightful as unhinged one-percenters, awash in money and resources. Wulff and Hodges show practical resolve and stout resistance while maintaining their dignity.
What little that is shared about the sex lives of rabbits is relevant because of the way the power couple see themselves and live their lives. They simply don’t care how they are perceived. “Rabbits … nest in the open for all to see,” explains Danielle. “It’s the transparency I respect.” A nest is what mother rabbits build to protect newborn kits (baby rabbits).
In the end, The Amazing Sex Life of Rabbits succeeds as a quirky satire of wealth and power. If the premise feels familiar, the performances—particularly by Larsen and Cisneros-Jones—result in an evening that is both funny and recognizable.
The Amazing Sex Life of Rabbits is presented as part of the 2026 International Fringe Encore Series at the SoHo Playhouse (15 Vandam St.) through March 28. Evening and matinee performances are available, but times are irregular. For tickets and additional information, click here.
Playwright, Direction & Sound Design: Michael Shaw Fisher
Set Design: Mia Criss
Costume Design & Props: Alli Miller-Fisher
Lighting Design: Charlie Kilgore
