Friends Don't Let Friends

In examining the world of situation comedy, playwright James Presson concocts a story ripe for satire. The target is a sitcom that seems to be aimed at young adults of limited intelligence—the young leading lady is referred to as 'Hannah Banana'—but is probably meant to be a stand-in for any network attempt at comedy. Presson, however, immediately strings a millstone around his neck with the program credit "loosely adapted from Henrik Ibsen's 'Hedda Gabler'." Why poor Hedda? What has Ibsen ever done to playwright Presson? Admittedly, this stretch for classical cred momentarily intrigues. But apart from the heroine having a father fixation, plus a totally inappropriate fadeout with a resounding gunshot, Henrik happily lies hidden. What we get are episodes in a successful sitcom whose leading performer is experiencing a meltdown as her onscreen persona and offscreen reality begin to blur.

But before witnessing the breakdown, we are treated to several satirical samples of what currently passes for a successful sitcom. We meet the onscreen gang: Hannah (Becca Ballenger); her boyfriend George (Cory Asinofsky); friends Brad (Will Turner), Jules (Jenna Grossano), and hyperactive Beth (Ashlynn Alexander); and perceived threat Ellie (Emma March Barash). Into this cozy "Friends"-like setting comes Isaac (Jason Zeren), as played by a notable guest star. We are reminded that we are watching a taped performance by an ever-present and annoying laugh track, as well as some of the performers constantly nudging that they are "acting" for the studio audience. Yes, there is some genuine satire here, with Turner channeling deep-voiced Brad Garrett and Zeren doing an effective combination of Charlie Sheen and Neil Patrick Harris, but much too much stage time is given to these limp episodes, time that might have been devoted to locating a genuine motive for our heroine's breakdown.

Late in the play there is a scene that suddenly makes all those surrounding it seem patently artificial: Hannah confronts one of the studio workmen, Henry (Tommy Hettrick), and seeks his wisdom. The scene is quiet, well-observed, and poignant, indicating that Presson has no need of Ibsen's ghost.

Under Rachel Buethe's direction, the actors mug excessively in the early sitcom scenes, but the young ensemble does have a pleasing "let's put on a show" spirit. Ballenger is an attractive performer who promises to shine in other circumstances, Turner has presence and a voice, and Hettrick offers an affecting reality.

The title is Presson's second, smaller millstone. It's a blunt offhand remark from Jules: "Friends don't let friends f**k guest stars," which barely refers to anything happening on stage and is hardly in the style of either Henrik or Hedda.

Presented by Less Than Rent Theatre at Walkerspace, 46 Walker St., NYC. Dec. 4–18. Tue.–Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sat. and Sun., 2 p.m. (800) 836-3006 or www.brownpapertickets.com.