April 13, 2006
By Dave DePino
In this darkly comical world premiere, writer Samuel Warren Joseph shines a light on the downside of winning at corporate greed and its inescapable byproduct, corruption. That dangerous game can lead to jail or a political appointment-or both. Case in point: CEO kingpin Roger Sizemore (Matthew Kimbrough) sits atop his dirty little empire flanked by longtime yes-man Carl Everett (Phil Proctor). Roger, friend of the prez and headed for D.C., is about to turn over a chunk of power to a young untested business turk, Peter (Randy Irwin), for dubious reasons. To tempt Peter to sign on the dotted line, Roger and Carl invite him for drinks, promises, and high-priced hookers. The ladies, Maria Alvarado (Roxana Brusso) and Stacy James (Hollace Starr), are sexy firecrackers. But the evening is not complete. There is one more surprise Roger didn't see coming.
Joseph's script is intended to address--and does so, quite nicely--the pervasive amorality that seems to keep business and government humming. His story is the funny telling of today's unfortunate truth. Enron, anyone? His dialogue is credible, fresh, and fluid. Billy Hayes' insightful direction keeps things crackling; he reaps all the humor of the piece yet keeps his eye on the prize, the serious tones of the playwright's intentions.
Kimbrough's blustery business honcho is perfectly loud and obnoxious-someone not to like or trust. Proctor cleverly reveals that Carl isn't as dim and acquiescent as presumed; he is a yes-man who can subtly say no. Irwin is solid, playing straight man to all, a prospective dupe who's not about to be duped. Brusso and Starr, and Ty Granderson Jones as the girl's pimp, are not there merely for the laughs, although their bright, energetic presence adds a 1950s Technicolor dazzle to an otherwise quite involving, black-and-white Late Show.
Presented by John Densmore and Winship Cook in association with and at the MET Theatre, 1089 N. Oxford Ave., Hollywood. Thu.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Apr. 7-May 14. (323) 957-1152. www.themettheatre.com.