Dinner at Home between Deaths

Reviewed by Vanessa Cate
Indie Chi Productions at the Odyssey Theatre
Through May 8

Sean Lynch (Todd Waring), a middle-aged high-profile financial investor, is acting rather strangely, and his wife Fiona (Diane Cary) can’t help but notice. What has provoked his sudden affection toward her, his abrupt desire for a vacation to Ireland, or his insistence that they pretend they’re not home? Fiona’s sister Kat (Andrea Evans) arrives at precisely the right/wrong time, fleeing from an important fundraising benefit in a Chanel prom dress of sorts, straight into the midst of tension between this couple.

Sadly, the mystery does not hold our interest for long. The logical solution — and the first one that Kat offers — happens to be the answer, and events follow slowly and predictably from there.

Andrea Lepcio’s new play, described as a “pitch-black comedy,” falls frustratingly short of both suspense and laughs, teeter-tottering between naturalism and farce. Stuart Ross’ direction so misunderstands the nature of the immature text that the actors are left “dead in the water.”

Evan A. Bortoletti’s set and the inventive way that it’s used are stand-outs in this production. However, the transitioning between scenes — and from flashbacks to current happenings — is clunky and arduous. 

Amielynn Abellera as the sexy, precocious Lily, Sean’s assistant, is a shining light in an otherwise dim and muddled production, exuding the humanity, chemistry, and artistry that is lacking elsewhere. 

Indie Chi Productions at the Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles; Thurs-Sat 8 p.m., Sun 2 p.m.; through May 8. (323)960-4429 or www.plays411.com/dinner Running time: 80 minutes with no intermission.