Reviewed by Lovell Estell III
SkyPilot Theatre Company
Through May 4.
So what does a seemingly normal, heterosexual man do when he discovers that he has not a single male friend? In his self-described “Bromantic comedy,” playwright Ben Abbott presents a humorous tale that might provide food for thought for some lonely guys out there.
David (Sean Dube) is a devoted husband and father who suddenly realizes that his only friend is his wife Julia (Alyssa Klein). Like so many men nowadays, he is continually treading the “wheel of everyday necessity” with no time for gathering friends or meaningful interaction with other men. In fact, the only contact he has with other males is when his wife’s friends get together and bring their male companions. One of these is the burly Jake (Tim Trobec,) who is married to Erica (Morgan Benson). Jake is very much into sports (which David isn’t), and has some issues involving masculinity. And then there’s Billy (Jon Paul Burkhardt), whose marital status is revealed later on, which causes quite a stir.
Things change when Julia’s sister-in-law Kelsey (Melanie Uba) shows up at her sister’s home with her new boyfriend Adam (Jason Owsley), and after some uneasy exchanges, David and Adam find that they have some things in common. The two embark on a hilarious, herky-jerky effort to build a relationship and establish a connection that includes a shared interest in the Beatles and, of all things, a love of stitching!
Abbot’s script tenders a lot of yucks and the cast acquit themselves well throughout under the direction of Morris Schorr. But the writing noticeably strains for laughs at times, especially towards play’s end. Luc Rosenthal provides a colorful assortment of props that effectively create a home environment.
SkyPilot Theatre Company, 905 N. Cole Ave., Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. (dark on April 20, Easter Sunday); thru May 4. Running time 90 minutes with one 15 minute intermission. http://skypilottheatre.com
