Neena Beeber's 2003 play, now receiving its West Coast premiere at The Arena Stage, begins rather like a typical slacker comedy: Reclusive would-be novelist Dave (Michael Perl) and film-school student Paul (Brett Mack) are roommates aspiring to artistic success. They banter and tease each other affectionately, talk film, and share jokes. Paul has met and fallen for Karen (Melissa Lugo), a girl with a hagiographic bent who's eagerly reading "The Lives of the Saints." When Paul invites her to move into their apartment, the stage seems to be set for a romantic triangle.
Then the play turns darker, as we learn that Dave is not just another stalled couch potato; he's suffering from a frightening bipolar disorder. In his lucid moments, he's a smart, hip, clever guy; but he's increasingly susceptible to periods of paranoia, becoming convinced that the planet Saturn is coming closer and about to crash into the Earth. Karen at first takes a romantic view of Dave's disorder, but Paul is more practical, realizing that Dave would be a terrific subject for a reality-based movie that might launch his career. With Dave's cooperation, he begins to film every aspect of their lives. Ambiguities proliferate, as Dave is tentatively attracted to Karen and subject to increasing despair as his condition worsens, leading to an episode of terrifying mental disturbance. Gradually he realizes that Paul's movie can have no satisfactory ending unless his affliction takes a dramatic turn, so he decides to provide one.
Beeber utilizes techniques of film and theater to raise troubling questions about whether exploitation of others' pain is permissible, even when it's done with their permission. Director Paul Millet incorporates interludes from Paul's film into his production, while deploying his actors with a sensitive hand. Mack deftly captures Paul's youthful charm and ambition, segueing into increasing helplessness in the face of Dave's degenerating condition and a growing sense that his film is exacting too high a price. Perl paints a persuasive portrait of Dave's wit and acuity in his saner moments, and his desperate fear and dread as his disorder begins to take over. Lugo is sweet and feisty as Karen. But Joan Marie Hurwit's spare, chilly, elegant set seems slightly at odds with the jaggedly emotional tale.
Presented by and at the Arena Stage at Theatre of Arts, 1625 N. Las Palmas Ave., Hollywood. Feb. 19–Mar. 26. Thu.–Sat., 8 p.m. www.jumpcut2011.tix.com.