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Pockets

Reviewed by Lovell Estell III

Hudson Mainstage Theatre

Through Nov. 17

Your keys, wallet, loose change, money clip, and if you can afford one, a brand new iPhone. All of these are the subjects of Darien Martus’s off-beat, solo-musical, or musical meditation on the things we carry around and the pockets that hold them.

One of the show’s intriguing features that sets the tone for what follows is a collection of random interviews that plays before curtain, where a mish-mash of people describe what’s in their wallets and why. What is eerily perceptible is the ways that we’re so much alike — and unalike — when it comes to the things we tote around every day, and what these mundane items say about who we are.

Martus is quite the pianist, though his singing is less impressive — at times is noticeably off key or strained. The slate of 14 songs range from quirky to thoughtful and evocative.  “Plastic” is a witty, up-tempo slap at the overuse of and overdependence on the credit card.  “Look at these Hands,” is a loving appreciation to hands that spend a lot of time in pockets. “Good Luck Charm,” is a tribute to things kept aboard for good luck.

Hudson Mainstage Theater; 6539 Santa Monica Blvd.; Hlywd.; Sun. 7 pm., through Dec. 7. (323) 960-7712, https://www.hudsontheatre.com