Dally With the Devil

Victor L. Cahn certainly likes to dally. His female-fueled political drama rests in exposition for a seeming eternity, and when Eric Parness' unsteady direction ultimately gets the play moving, Cahn provides little reason to care for his characters. While I admire Cahn placing women in the male-dominated political world, his people are still unsympathetic stereotypes, and the stagnant drama fails to intrigue.

At her Cape Cod beach house (a gorgeously simple set by Jisun Kim) Charlotte runs the controversial political blog Demon.com, famous for breaking important stories that can dictate any politician's future. Her former college professor Irene, on leave from teaching and with a newfound passion for a senate campaign, drops by for a visit with ulterior motives. From the competing operation, ex-Marine Megan stops in to stoke the debate. As the political drama simmers, never quite reaching an all-out boil, Cahn struggles to give his audience a reason to invest in these characters. While the women are powerful, they are still victims of their sexuality, which ultimately unhinges the charade. Cahn makes certain that there is reason to root against all three of them, though some flaws are thrown in rather casually at the last minute. Through these unlikable folk, Cahn seems to be making a statement on the nature of politics: There is no such thing as impartial, right, or wrong, and ultimately one must choose the lesser evil. Unfortunately, this overused, lukewarm argument feels trite.

The juxtaposition of the calm seashore with the unruly political universe is cute, and the highly capable actors fit their parts well, even when misdirected. Erika Rolfsrud personifies Charlotte's "I don't give a damn" attitude with ease, and she still uses what moments she has to display the character's rarely seen more vulnerable side. As Irene, Elizabeth Norment has the most underwritten role, though her mannerisms and movements suitably display this professor-turned–campaign worker's insecurities. Although Elizabeth A. Davis stands up straight and moves precisely, she is slightly unbelievable and somewhat forced as an ex-Marine, but of the three actors, she works the hardest.

Michelle Eden Humphrey's red, white, and blue costume scheme in the final scene is almost too adorable. (Women would showcase their political allegiances with fashion.) The three women look like some sort of perfect façade, one that Cahn attempts to disassemble, never quite achieving his goal.

Presented by Rachel Reiner Productions at the Beckett Theatre, 410 W. 42nd St., NYC. Sept. 14–Oct. 8. Tue., 7 p.m.; Wed.–Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. (212) 239-6200, (800) 432-7250, or www.telecharge.com. Casting by Stephanie Klapper.