Better Days

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Better Days Whitmore Eclectic at the Lyric Theatre Reviewed by Dany Margolies July 28, 2010 Richard Dresser's play verges on magic realism, but it's not quite magical, and it's slightly more ridiculous than real. To put it mildly, the characters are going through a rough patch, seeking satisfaction through arson and a spanking-new religion. Director James Whitmore and his cast try but can't overcome the rough-hewn plot's shifting tones. Further trouble stems from the lighting design, which leaves actors in murky darkness for the play's nearly two hours. The characters' motivations never become clear. Unemployed factory worker Ray (Moe Irvin), having heard divine words through a contraption of metal bowls and wiring and goggles, believes himself "chosen." His faithful buddies are the inept Arnie (Jeremy Luke) and recently disbarred attorney Phil (Dustin Seavey). Ray's wife, Faye (Aliah Whitmore), the smartest of the bunch, gussies up to sell their car and TV. She returns with buyer Bill (Ivan Basso, who offers interesting moments, including the way Bill smiles through his anger). Bill proposes that the men set fire to the town—first the cars, then houses—collecting insurance and abating their sense of powerlessness. For those keeping score, that's a Ray and Faye, a Bill and Phil. These are the jokes, folks. The characters are joined, apparently for eye-candy purposes only, by Crystal (Andrea Lockhart). Blame Dresser for some of the problems. Who charges into a room upon hearing gunshots fired there? Blame the director for others. How does each person who enters the room and touches the coffeepot/kettle know it's hot, even though nothing else works in this gelid house? So what's to recommend in this production? The outstanding work by Aliah Whitmore. As downtrodden as her character is, the actor makes it seem she'd rather be nowhere else than in Faye's circumstances. Whitmore looks as if she's hearing her lines for the first time, reacting clearly, timely, and naturally. Her performance is one of those first-rate "finds" that renews one's enthusiasm for sitting through second-rate theater. Presented by the Whitmore Eclectic at the Lyric Theatre, 520 N. La Brea Ave., L.A. July 9–Aug. 1. Thu.–Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. (818) 826-3609. www.whitmoreeclectic.com.

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