L.A. Review: 'Mission to Mate: A Play in Three Movements'

Three blisteringly contemporary one-acts unfold in one hour in Colin Mitchell's "Mission to Mate," as three sets of strangers meet under odd circumstances—and one of the two participants tries to seduce the other. Mitchell's writing, with each "movement" interwoven in clever ways almost undetectable unless one pays sharp attention, is the star here. It might seem pretentious to say only in L.A. could these stories unfold, but the geographic location and one omnipresent entertainment industry publication figure into the plots of all three situations, not to mention the emphasis in our fair town placed on appearances.

Under Mitchell's direction, all of the couples are played by the same two performers. Alla Poberesky's ballsy demeanor and rich, trumpeting baritone put her trio of characters in control no matter which side of the seduction she is depicting, while the wide-eyed Michael Sanchez evokes an intentional air of continuous discomfort that makes his characters endearing. Both gifted and intellectually aware actors, however, could benefit from simplifying; with wickedly witty and sharply incisive writing such as Mitchell's, we get it without anyone needing to work so hard.

Presented by Sati Productions as part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival at Theatre Asylum, 6320 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, and Fringe Central Mainstage, 6209 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. June 9–24. Remaining performances: Sat., June 23, 5:30 p.m., at Theatre Asylum; Sun., June 24, 2 p.m., at Fringe Central Mainstage. www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/860.