Catherine Pelonero's absurdist comedy elicits faint echoes of Edward Albee's early one-acts. Her aim appears to be an irreverent spoof of dysfunctional-family plays, but there's nothing funny about boorishness, vulgarity, and stupidity when they're laid on with a trowel. Josh Brewster seems to be channeling John Goodman's take on Fred Flintstone, and although slovenly lush Holly (Monica Martin) is the sister of Brewster's character, her role would seem an ideal fit for Goodman's TV spouse, Roseanne Barr. As an elderly mother and her estranged daughter, respectively, Ann Ryerson and Eva Minemar struggle with circuitous dialogue, and Kenny Johnston and Jack Hunter are straddled with underdeveloped roles.
Sharp Cocktail at ArtWorks Theatre (Fringe Central), 6567 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Sat., June 25, 3 p.m.; Sun., June 25, 5 p.m.
