What really matters in a male-female relationship and what does it take to make the relationship work -- these are the main questions asked in Scott Turner's Dates Without Chicks which will have its West Coast premiere at the Gardner Stage July 23. The run is through Aug. 15.

Turner's comedy deals with the struggle of two young men (and a Greek chorus) to understand Gen X women in the closing days of the 20th century. The story takes place in a neighborhood bar where the men meet to drink beer and gab about football, music, sex and girls. Much to their surprise, their banter turns serious and they end up having an unflinchingly honest, heart-to-heart talk about the women in their lives.

Presented by Odd Man Out Productions, Dates Without Chicks is being directed by Brian Newberg and features Cindy D'Andrea, Aaron Izbicki, Chris Rydman and Christopher Wright. Newberg recently served as assistant director on The Presentment at the Pasadena Playhouse.

The Gardner Stage is located at 1501 N. Gardner St. For tickets and information call (310) 792-2902.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent