In Heat
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Cast
Photo by Jeff Parker
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By Ben Miles
In press releases it's described as "a new comedy in four one-acts." While that's an accurate bulletin, there's more to Malcolm Danare's latest play, In Heat at the Lost Studio in Hollywood, than one might surmise from either that statement or the show's title. Directed with an emphasis on naturalness by James Eckhouse, Danare's four one-acts (running 80 minutes, without a pause) are connected by a couple of coy conceits. Each scenario unfolds in Los Angeles (Victoria Profitt's imaginatively portable set design is enveloped, haunted really, by a vast background scenic mural of a neo-noir L.A. cityscape, designed and painted by Marilyn Vance and Cendra Martel).What's more, all characters are subject to a sizzling So Cal heat-storm.
The first situation, called "Carbs," introduces us to Sydney and Olivia. Sydney is a movie-maker; Olivia is an actress who has spent her day auditioning for a role as one of King Lear's daughters. Given our fly-on-the-wall perspective, it's voyeuristic fun to witness performers inhabit personas so fluently. With an engaging combination of verve and lightheartedness reminiscent of a modern-day episode of "Love American Style," "Carbs" is not so much a bedroom farce as it is a sophisticated situation comedy. Kudos to Robin Thomas and Rebecca Klingler as Sydney and Olivia, respectively. Each performer renders a portrayal that is real and alive. Thomas and Kingler set the bar high with regard to authentic characterizations.
The second staging is titled "Genes and Chromosomes," and it explores the age old question, "What's she doing with him?" Short, balding, and vulnerable Fred (Kyle T. Heffner, in a humorously understated incarnation) is hit upon by knock-out man-killer, Sophie (a vivacious and delicious Shana Sosin). Fred doesn't understand. Why is this mesmerizing blond Amazon intent on hunting him? As Sophie attempts to explain, we feel our own juices combust. After all is said, done, and over, it may just come down to plain chemistry.
In "Working Out," the playwright (Malcolm Danare) ably takes the role of quintessential nice guy, Gary, while John Kapelos embodies the lascivious Neil. Gary is poetic and apologetic. Neil is out-to-mate and wants a date. During their tête-à-tête at a Starbucks, philosophies are aired, strategies are shared, and Gary and Neil go deeper than is expected, and that's an unexpected turn-of-plot.
"Perfect Timing" is the finale-piece of the evening. Faith (a genuinely emotional Mary Mara) and Paul (the warm and likable Jon Lindstrom) are on a blind date. But, contrary to their past experience with hook-ups unseen, this outing has been a love-connection. That is, until the appropriately named Faith witnesses a rodent flattened by a car on Sunset Boulevard. Instead of being killed, however, our little rat is severely disabled. Faith finds the situation unbearable and insists that Paul alleviate the creature's suffering. It's not what needs to be done, so much, as how it is to be accomplished that surprises Paul and the rest of us. Are mercy, absolution, and romance to be found through a weapon taken from a purse?
In Heat glows on at The Lost Studio--130 South La Brea, Hollywood--through July 20. Performances are Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m. Sunday shows are at 7 p.m. For tickets dial, (323) 960 - 7724. To reserve online, visit www.play411.com/inheat.
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