In the theater it is still a rare event to find strong leading roles for women over 40. However, in “The Sisters Rosensweig,” playwright Wendy Wasserstein has delivered us three. And theater-goers will likely find traits in each sister that resonate with familiarity.

“The Sisters Rosensweig” is directed by Ellen Graham and takes place during eldest sister Sara’s 54th birthday bash. Her sisters, Dr. Gorgeous, outlandish radio personality, and Pfeni, international journalist, have arrived from the States for the celebration. These women are overachievers, proud of their independence and each at a crossroad in life. They share the same roots but have bloomed into very different people.

Sara, played by Sara Ann Scribner, has left her Jewish, New York roots for London life as head of a Hong Kong bank. She is comfortable in her assimilation and claims to be happy “living in a country where our feelings are openly repressed.” Her friend Mervyn, played by Brian Danzig, would like to have a more intimate relationship with her, but is kept at arm’s length.

Middle sister Gorgeous, played by Maribeth Hinderer, displays the most dynamic personality. She has embraced her Jewish heritage as closely as she is embraced by her designer wardrobe. Gorgeous disdains stereotypes yet, superficially, resembles one the most.

Baby sister Pfeni, played by Karen Harp-Reed, is a disillusioned journalist who once tackled hard-hitting political issues, but now embraces the ease of travel writing. She has a relationship with bisexual, renowned director Geoffrey, played with enthusiasm by Tim Davidson, that is safe and comfortable if not passionate.

During the course of the birthday party, each sister reveals the cracks in her veneer and the depth that lies beneath. They support one another as each comes to terms with where they’ve been and who they are. Wasserstein, however, never lets her audience forget that “The Sisters Rosenweig” is a comedy and the setting is a party. The characters are full of humor as well as humanity.

Rounding out the cast are Jocelyn Mahrer as Sara’s daughter Tess, Austin Josenhaus as Tess’ Lithuanian, by way of Liverpool, boyfriend, and Steven Fogell as the uptight Englishman Nicholas Prim.

“I wouldn’t say it’s typecast, but the characters are in all these people,” said Fogell.

“The Sisters Rosensweig” at the Playhouse on Bainbridge Island

Pay-what-you-can preview, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1, and continues with shows 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2-4, 9-11, and 16-18 plus Sundays at 3 p.m. at The Playhouse, 200 Madison Ave. N, Bainbridge Island.

Tickets are $18 adults, $15 seniors and $9 students, available at the box office, by phone at (206) 842-8569 and online at www.theplayhouse.org.