What will be the most frequently produced American play of the 2013-14 season? I'm betting on David Ives's "Venus in Fur," a smart, serious comedy about the role of power in sexual relationships. Not only is it terrific, but "Venus in Fur" requires only two actors, making it cheap to produce. No wonder everybody wants to do it.

Theater professionals know all too well that few U.S. companies are willing to take a chance on large-cast plays nowadays. Because of the recession, regional companies have grown...