We have seen fictional accounts of a code that firefighters and police officers honor, which has as its cornerstone a "stick-together-at-all-costs" mentality.
Playwright Pedro Antonio Garcia examines that insular world in this world-premiere drama, particularly how the code might differ between the two types of public servants, both of which regularly are involved in life-risking duties.
Given its narrow scope, Garcia's story, though frequently engrossing, becomes repetitive during its two-hour running time. But a strong ensemble cast and Bryan Rasmussen's spirited direction overcome the clunky script, which would be more powerful with edits.
One of Garcia's more deft segments is the first scene, in which we meet the men of Firehouse 61 in a predominantly Latino neighborhood in the Bronx. Veterans on this shift are Mike (Ed Morrone), William (Jon Southwell), and the company's lone Latino firefighter, Robert (Kamar de los Reyes). Their jokes are rude, homophobic, and racist, but their love for one another is strong.
That bond is tested with a new arrival: Brian (Gerald Downey), a former police office involved in shooting an unarmed man—but acquitted of wrongdoing—who is in trouble again. He pulled out an injured firefighter in a crack house, leaving behind a 12-year-old girl, whom Brian says he didn't see. The community doesn't believe Brian, including public defender and Robert's girlfriend Aida (Jossara Jinaro).
Though there are fumbled lines throughout the production, the emotion rings true, led by de los Reyes, who finds honesty in Robert's conflicted emotions of standing with his community or with the firefighters. Also impressive is Elvis Nolasco, who commands attention with his intensity as Robert's drug-addict brother Pito. And Downey's low-key portrayal as Brian adds to the mystery of whether he is a misunderstood victim or the villain.
Too frequently the scenes devolve into the same argument about the firefighters' code. But each time Garcia breaks new ground, in particular Brian's second-act monologue, "Firehouse" becomes an exciting theatrical experience.
Presented by and at the Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Feb. 4–Apr. 29. Fri., 8 p.m. (323) 822-7898. www.theatermania.com.