Why does Georgina (Liz Vital) suffer from chronic insomnia? Her new main squeeze George (Nick Mills) lies next to her, snoring and having erotic dreams, while Georgina can't relax. Entering the scene to occupy her nocturnal hours is the Sandman (Jeff Irwin), a sprightly being with a libidinous agenda and a shaggy sheep (Jessica Culaciati) as a pet. Even George's sudden bursts of romantic charisma in the guise of sex idols like James Dean aren't enough to shake Georgina out of her boredom. Meanwhile, the audacious Sandman makes romantic overtures that likewise don't entice her. What will it take to bring this ennui-ridden woman out of her sleepwalking stupor?
The nonsensical goings-on often feel as disjointed as the events in a real-life dream. Marchese's rapid-fire pace and endless parade of sight gags don't leave much time to connect the dots. But Georgina's struggle with emotional insecurity forms an underlying tension that ultimately culminates in a resolution of sorts. The game cast appears to be having great fun, and it becomes infectious. As the rambunctious sheep, literally chewing the scenery at times, Culaciati is a hoot, and Irwin's horny dream-guide character draws plenty of ironic laughs. Vital and Mills navigate their way through bawdy gags and zany bits of physical comedy with energy and wit.
Presented by Vitality Productions at the Lyric Hyperion Theatre, 2106 Hyperion Ave., L.A. Mar. 18–Apr. 10. Fri.–Sun., 8 p.m. (847) 800-1762. vitality.publishpath.com.