Desert Rats 

Reviewed by Julia Stier
Latino Theater Company
Through November 18 

“She is a transaction, not a human being.”

In Nate Rufus Edelman’s new play Desert Rats — premiering at the Los Angeles Theatre Center under the direction of Angie Scott — two worlds collide when Frank and his brother Jesse decide to kidnap a rich teenager from the Valley and hold her for ransom.

Jesse believes that money will fix his life. Lonely, bitter and penniless, he goes along with his brother Frank’s plan to capture Amber, a wealthy teenager. However, when Jesse is placed in charge of babysitting the hostage, the two start to share stories from their lives, revealing their privileges, class differences, and how money has affected both of them.

Derek Chariton is wonderful as the strangely sympathetic yet wildly volatile Jesse. He goes from chill to all fired up with the flip of a switch. Lila Gavares as Amber captures the attitude of a girl raised in privilege. She allows her fierceness to come out despite her fear, and has a cleverness that she depends upon to get her out of her predicament. During all their interactions, it seems as if Jesse and Amber are engaged in a game — but is it a game of chicken, or cat and mouse? Trying to figure out who has control in any given scene is half the fun of this show. Walt Gray IV is ferocious as the easily-angered Frank. His quick temper and lack of mercy quickly rebalances the scales in the brothers’ favor anytime Amber manages to gain the upper hand.

The setting is perfect thanks to Cameron Mock and Emily MacDonald’s innovative scenic and lighting designs. This production has taken up residence in one of the Los Angeles Theatre Center’s basement theatres, and its ceiling of exposed pipes enhances the feel of the run-down motel the story takes place in. A circle scrim behind the set is painted with tan sand dunes, and gives the impression of an expansive, oppressive desert. Ivan Robles and Jakelinne Gonzales are in charge of sound and costume design, respectively. Libby Letlow serves as fight and intimacy choreographer.

An off-stage, dramatic ending to this comedic and thought-provoking piece allows for the audience to decide the characters’ fate for themselves.

The Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., Los Angeles; Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.; through Nov. 18. (866) 811-4111 or thelatc.org. Running time: 90 minutes with no intermission.