The Astrology House

Jade’s drama-filled debut finds a group of privileged New Yorkers gathering for an astrology-themed retreat that will reveal dangerous secrets simmering beneath the participants’ carefully maintained facades. Mom-fluencer Aimee hopes to reignite her flagging relationship with her writer husband, Adam, while Adam’s sister Margot desperately seeks answers about her inability to conceive. Meanwhile, obstetrician Farah, Aimee’s best friend, wonders if her feelings for Aimee might morph into something more. Added into the mix is Eden, who is polyamorous and throws a wrench into the works with an explosive affair. A full ensemble of seven narrators provides intimate windows into the motivations of the characters, who are wrapped up in themselves and don’t see that astrologer Rini has plans for them all. While the performances are skillful, the women’s voices are close enough that listeners may have trouble distinguishing among them. Careful listening is required to keep the names straight, as some of their personalities are similar too. It’s billed as a psychological thriller, but this twisty tale might be better characterized as relationship fiction gone terribly wrong.