When so much of today's theater is like a cocktail made up of two parts cynicism, one part irony, and a spritz of wit, Liz Flahive's world premiere comedy From Up Here -- being presented at Manhattan Theatre Club in a co-production with Ars Nova -- is like the perfect martini. Better yet, it's practically a sit-down dinner served with a fine wine. And like with the best meals, you aren't left overstuffed, since the play is just 90 minutes long.

But what truly makes From Up Here one of the best and most emotionally satisfying works this season is its generous, yet fully earned, compassion. Here is a play about the now-requisite dysfunctional family, but one that, for all their pain and suffe[...]