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Somewhere. . .

Reviewed by Pauline Adamek

Meta Theatre

Through Oct. 26

Antony J. Bowman’s afterlife drama begins with his amiable central character, architect Michael (Josh T. Ryan), vividly describing his sudden death in a violent car wreck in upstate New York. Michael then proceeds to narrate the story from a state of limbo, observing his grief-stricken wife and best-friend colleagues during his wake and making wry observations throughout. It’s a nice dramatic device that, for the most part, works well. Unfortunately the story of this poignant play meanders over the course of a long boozy evening through to the following morning. There’s a cliffhanger reveal at the end of Act 1, yet it comes as no surprise; not that it’s overly signaled, it’s just a little too obvious. Climactic confrontations lack well-orchestrated dramatic tension, something that a more experienced director (granted, Jeanie Drynan is a well-known and highly experienced actor) would have knocked into shape.

Nevertheless, Drynan shows her strengths in eliciting fine performances from her superb cast of six. Josh T. Ryan is warm and likable as Michael, but aspects such as his heavy drinking, instances of poor judgment in regards to his autistic brother, intense work ethic and willingness to stray from an apparently loving marriage aren’t really explored, as though such unpleasantries might undermine his basically endearing character.

Kristen Hansen is convincing as his widow Vivian, managing to convey her anguish as well as wearily keeping it together for the sake of her mentally-challenged brother-in-law Albert, well-rendered by Willy Romano-Pugh. It’s also nice to see a character exhibit a steely backbone and gently say “no” when she needs to, even at her most vulnerable. Tammy Minoff is good as the ambitious, flirty Nikki (competently prancing around in platform stiletto boots and a mini-skirt — an improbable funeral outfit even for a calculating 20- something with designs on the deceased).

Amir Khalighi (who also co-produces, alongside Bowman) is great as Michael’s acid-tongued partner Russell, and it’s a credit to his performance — and the role — that he never lazily slides into overly camped-up bitchy queen territory. Within this excellent cast, Melissa Kite shines as Claudia, giving a fine and nuanced performance of what is possibly the most interesting and admirable character of them all.

One aspect that mars Bowman’s play is the use of unnecessary racial digs: an Irishman who may or may not be Bono is described sipping from a flask during the funeral; the evidently Muslim cabbie quotes Allah; French café owners are snooty… Yet for a story about death and loss, Bowman — a renowned screenwriter — successfully walks a fine line of emotionality in this, his first play. He deftly skirts sentimentality while delivering an affecting and satisfying denouement. As Vivian wistfully remarks, “You think you know someone and all you are left with are their secrets.”

Meta Theatre on Melrose, 7801 Melrose Ave., WLA; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m.; through Oct. 26. https://www.somewheretheplay.com