The Direction Home
Reviewed by Lara J. Altunian
Say La Vie Productions
Through August 18
The 1970s sexual revolution serves as the backdrop to Greg Vie’s comedic semi-autobiographical play, The Direction Home — a coming-of-age story told through the eyes of his shy and anxious 22-year-old self.
In 1979, Stephen (played by Jacob Barnes and meant to portray a younger Vie), Brad (Vaughan Eells), and Ted (Amir Levi) are fresh-out-of-college, recent L.A. transplants hoping to make it in showbiz. Upon moving in to their first rented house in West Hollywood, they learn that Katie (Emilie Martz), Brad’s former roommate and fellow aspiring actor, will be temporarily living with them until she can find a place of her own. The new and unexpected living situation brings up a variety of issues triggered both by clashing personalities, and more importantly, deeper problems of self-acceptance. Katie forces the men to face their inner turmoil, while dealing with her own demons. Each member of the household wrestles with deep secrets in order to define who they are.
Framed like an episode of “That ’70s Show”, much of the humor is funny, but very sitcom-like. The lighthearted tones and inside jokes make the characters very likable and their interactions entertaining. However, there are many segments where the plot takes a backseat to their antics, dragging out some of the humor. During others, the narrative goes into overdrive causing all of the story’s emotional components to be packed into just a few sudden, heartfelt conversations. The best scenes create a balanced middle ground, which properly advances the story with clever quips and subtle hints that show you glimpses of the play’s potential.
The Direction Home’s strength lies in its characters’ quirks. Barnes plays the demure Stephen convincingly well. His sensitivity and emotional bouts of frustration truly capture his internal struggles, making him the most approachable of the bunch. Levi is hilarious as the flamboyant Ted, who has a definite flair for the dramatic. Eells fully embodies the former–football playing Brad — a Michael Kelso stereotype of a dumb, pretty guy who can show sympathy when he wants, but usually chooses not to. Martz’s Katie is a little too perfect in her speech and delivery, but her sweetness is endearing.
Kiff Scholl’s direction keeps the movement flowing all throughout the stage. Adam Haas Hunter’s scenic design and Mylette Nora’s costumes maintain an authentic disco-era vibe, while Shelia Dorn’s blatantly fake-looking wigs add to the comedy.
Although the story’s significance is heartwarming, an uneven plot fails to convey what could have been a well-developed plot about desire and identity. Much of the characters’ growth and development is confined to only a few scenes, making the rest of the narrative feel slow by comparison. The ending is predictable, but satisfying, and certain key moments are wonderfully crafted, but the build-up does not merit the production’s two-and-a-half-hour length. Vie’s message of sexual self-discovery is a strong one, but The Direction Home’s shortcomings unfortunately don’t allow its impact to be fully felt.
Let Live Theatre @ The Actors Company, 916A N. Formosa Ave., West Hollywood; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.; through Aug. 18. (323) 960-1055 or https://www.onstage411.com/. Running time: two hours and 35 minutes with one 15-minute intermission.
