Lights Up on the Fade Out

Padraic Lillis' debuting drama offers an incisive portrait of a middle-aged film director, Steve (Tom Hildreth), who wins his first big career break while his personal life remains severely out of focus. As he deals with complications surrounding a whirlwind romance with his former high school crush (Alina Phelan), who has just ditched her fiancé at the altar, Steve simultaneously must come to terms with the worsening condition of his long-neglected father (Mark Bramhall), who suffers from dementia. In the hands of director Ron Canada and the fine ensemble, including James Parks as Steve's fed-up brother, this is a moving and thought-provoking offering.

Sternman Productions in association with Delta Highway at the Lillian Theatre, 1076 Lillian Way, Hollywood. Extended run: June 16-July 10. Thu.–Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. (323) 331-5123. www.lastagealliance.com.