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The Whiskey Maiden

Reviewed by Lovell Estell III

Theatre of NOTE

Through October 24

RECOMMENDED:

Two tramps suddenly find themselves in the lap of luxury, but learn the painful lesson that all that glitters is not gold. Danny (Joe Mahon) and Bill (Darret Sanders) mysteriously arrive at a church, not really knowing how they got there or why. Even stranger is that they have a written invitation to a party at a swanky manse in Newport Beach, arriving just in time for greetings by the uppity, spoiled lady of the house, Margaret (Chantelle Albers), and her drug-addled, emotionally damaged daughter Staci (Erin Fleming).

Yet, in spite of the sumptuous surroundings, the exotic artwork and rare wines, all is not what it seems here. The unfortunate hobos are gradually drawn into a bizarre netherworld of regressive memories, anomalous absurdity, timelessness and desire. Danny eventually falls under Staci’s hypnotic and deadly sway, while Bill becomes mystically tethered to Margaret’s unhinged husband Phil (Doug Burch) and the manor’s 100-year-old, wheel-chair-bound captive (Carl J. Johnson).

With this cleverly written and highly theatrical allegory, writer/director Chris Kelly sagely explores some of the age-old conundrums of the human condition. There is as much humor here as there is gravitas, and all the performances are first-rate. The production is especially well served by set designer Todd Pate’s tastefully staid wooden backdrop and the sparing use of a few choice props.

Theatre of NOTE, 1517 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m., Sun., 7 p.m., through Oct. 24. (323) 856-8611, theatreofnote.com. Running time: one hour, 90 minutes.