The Altruists

Like the characters of Nicky Silver's script, this production is well-intentioned but leaves a less-than-ideal impression. The well-to-do soap actor, the womanizing radical, the hetero lesbian, the wannabe-romantic social worker, and the honest hustler have tried to be charitable but ultimately need to be selfish. The hypocrisy of altruism could make an interesting theatrical examination of human nature, but Silver's presumed intended humor on the topic deflates exponentially as the play unfolds.

The blame probably can't be laid on director Doug Bilitch. With not an appealing character or engrossing plot line among the lot, by the half-hour mark it's already high time for the play's payoff. But Bilitch should have ironed out the puzzling character traits his actors adopted. Why does Emerson Collins, playing the young hustler, make Crazy Guggenheim faces? Why has Finn Wittrock chosen a British accent for the radical? To his credit, Wittrock doesn't force the comedy and thus earns the majority of genuine laughs; on the other hand, his portrayal doesn't fit the heightened style of the others and thus distracts from any storytelling.

Adam Ferguson, playing the gay social worker, listens intently to his scene partners, perhaps better than anyone else onstage, but too often looks as if he's breaking character with a laugh. Playing the "political" lesbian, Kim Hamilton has a grip on stagecraft, including a flawless phone monologue, but her character might be a bit over-the-top in the masculinity department, even for a Silver play. Faring best among the actors, Ryann Turner creates the soap star through logical acting choices and works with contagious energy. Jesse Sheldon's set design establishes character and suits the action, but Sheldon's lighting proves too shadowy to foster any comedic moments.

Still, the script doesn't seem to help anyone onstage—nor does it help make Silver's presumed point. Do-gooders aren't always angels, but at least they try.

Presented by The Mechanicals Theatre Group at the Pico Playhouse, 10508 W. Pico Blvd., L.A. Aug. 26-Sept. 11. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m. www.mechanicalstheatregroup.com.