The Pain and the Itch takes direct aim at its audience: Its deeply unlikeable characters are affluent, left leaning, and well meaning—just the type to have season tickets at all the best local theater companies. And perhaps this show's aggressive send-up of lefty self-interest will come as a thrilling slap in the face to those who see themselves reflected onstage. For those of us who don't, however, it's two hours of listening to assholes shout at each other. ALISON HALLETT