In this excerpt from his book, Lewis discusses the unique nature of Kopit's play, noting in particular its "grotesque, surrealist attack on sex, mother, and the devouring female."

Arthur Kopit, a recent Harvard graduate, created a sensation with his first play Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mamma's Hung You in the Closet, and I'm Feeling So Sad, which is subtitled "A Pseudoclassical Tragifarce in a Bastard French Tradition." A fortunate combination of circumstances also helped in the success of his first venture. Jerome Robbins, well-known choreographer, directed the play and achieved movement close to modern ballet, which the play required. Josephine Van Fleet, a resourceful actress, romped through the leading role with bravura vindictiveness, ably assisted by Barbara Harris, a rising talent in the American stage and the most successful of the recent graduates from the little theatres.

The play is unique for many reasons. It is a...