Is there a difference in how men and women communicate? Do they, in fact, view the world differently? Rob Becker’s comedic play “Defending the Caveman” demonstrates not only that this is true, but that this can be traced all the way back to when Homo sapiens lived in caves.

Now don’t confuse “Defending the Caveman” with some academic lecture. The show is much more akin to stand-up comedy — stand-up comedy with a nice set design, sound track and introduction video.

Speaking of the set, it looks like Fred and Wilma Flintstone meet HGTV.

The Cosmopolitan Cabaret production of “Defending the Caveman” opened Thursday evening with Cody Lyman in the role of today’s caveman. Lyman is one of several cavemen appearing in productions around the world. The Cosmo Cabaret production is going to feature four cavemen during its three-plus-month run.

Image by: Theater Mogul

Lyman is very charming as he lays out the “Caveman” premise that the original caveman was the hunter/protector and the original cavewoman was the gatherer/knowledge-seeker/reproducer/goddess. That translates to the basic premise that men are simple, uncomplicated and focused on one thing at a time, while women are complex, complicated and multi-focused.

All this is laid out with gentle humor. Yes, much of the humor is about stereotypical behavior, but it is generally acknowledged that there is usually a grain of truth in stereotypes. It is the grain of truth that sparks recognition from the audience and the ensuing laughter — not only laughter but shouted responses from the audience typical of stand-up comedy.

The show does depend to a degree on audience reaction and interaction. The more audience reaction, the more fun the play is for the audience. Stand-up fans will really love the show and will bring the rest of the audience along laughing at not only what is happening on the stage but what is happening in the audience.

Becker’s play pretty much equally highlights the behavior of men and women. It also asks that each gender think about what may be innate behavior of the opposite sex. Becker also has a lot to say about interactions of men with men and women with women. All this needs to be prefaced with that this is heterosexual behavior and that it also discounts the evolution of relationships.

“Defending the Caveman” obviously strikes a chord with its audiences. It has been showing since Becker premiered it in San Francisco in 1991. It still holds the record of the longest solo performance play on Broadway and has been successfully translated into over 15 languages. Lyman has been performing the role for seven years. He is good at making the material timely.

Go see “Defending the Caveman” and let your inhibitions go. Shout out your reactions when things spark recognition. If you have been in a successful long-term relationship, you are bound to recognize several truths. If you are new to a heterosexual relationship, you will learn some useful things. If you don’t fall into either group, you can just laugh at how crazy these people can be.

“Defending the Caveman”  Cosmopolitan Cabaret  June 1- September 11, 2011  More Information and Tickets

Cody Lyman-”Caveman” June 1- June 26
Ben Tedder-”Caveman” June 29- July 17
Paul Perroni-”Caveman” July 20-August 14
Vince Valentine-”Caveman” August 17-September 11