Gina Gionfriddo’s “Rapture, Blister, Burn” is a 2½-hour pedantic, preachy presentation of everything you ever wanted to know about feminism.

The first act covers the waterfront, raising every issue, pro and con, in long discussions about the role of women in society, pairing off the housewife with two kids against the successful professional woman, with a young, free-spirited girl, a mother and a lackluster husband thrown in to cover all the bases.

I was ready to give up after the long first act but hung in there when the preachy, pedantic play turned personal in the second act and the story took a strong personal turn with the characters.

Don (David Rabinow), Alice (Patricia Thomas) and Catherine (Jackie Davis) were college friends who went in different directions, only to be reunited 10 years later.

Alice had “stolen” Catherine’s boyfriend, married, had two kids, and gave up any hope for a career, while Catherine went on to be a successful writer and teacher. Don settled for mediocrity, becoming a teacher, dean, pothead and pornography addict. After long discussions, mostly among the women, Act I ends with the realization that nobody is happy with their present situation.

Under the shadow of “Be careful what you wish for…” all three friends decide they want major changes in their lives. When they move toward those changes, they are not so sure, as they discover that the grass may not be that green.

The interesting concept is marred by the author’s misguided attempt to throw too much theory and history at her audience. Subtlety is not her strong point. When she finally gets around to showing and not just telling, the play settles in and the acting talents of the fine ensemble cast shine through.

We feel their regrets, their disappointments, their “what ifs” and their doubts. Unfortunately, the long discussions have worn us down. Director Susie Schutt places the scenes close to the audience, allowing us to feel the strong emotions in the second act.

Alex Maynard makes for a strong counterpoint as the baby-sitter with strong opinions, while Christina Wolfskehl offers a different perspective as the older person’s point of view. If you can hang in there, you’ll see some good performances shine through in the second act.

“Rapture, Blister, Burn” is at Wilbury Theatre 393 Broad St., Providence through April 4. For reservations call 400-7100.