‘60 Minutes From L.A.’

A light play isn’t necessarily an insubstantial play. “60 Minutes From L.A.” at the Gene Dynarski Theatre manages some meaningful confrontations in which four women who came to flower in the ‘70s discover their smothered identities at a high school reunion party in Lancaster.

It’s not surprising that Lancaster is where first-time playwright Lisa Nichols (also featured in the production) grew up. Her distaste for her hometown is apparent in her play, which dramatizes the folly of resisting change.

Although her character returns to the arms of her hotshot writer boyfriend who likes to kick things around when he’s angry, you know she made a bad choice. Her decision doesn’t ring true--no ‘80s woman would put up with this guy’s possessiveness for a second.

The frantic lover boy is played by the playwright/actress’ real-life husband, soap opera star Stephen Nichols, who also makes his directing debut.

The production accelerates slowly, with such languor that you begin focusing on the kitchen copperware (detailed interior set design by Vincent J. Crescimen).

But the show builds momentum and social irony with the arrival of an old liberal high school teacher (Scott Mulhern), who is as unable to let go of the past as any of them.

The material is moderately pale, but most of the actors are distinctive, beginning with Nichols’ briar patch of a performance and a sweet Jana Howard in the play’s toughest role as a mama’s girl who finally grows up. Eileen O’Sullivan’s hometowner with a stiff upper chin and Elizabeth Hipwell’s thanklessly screechy, dim airhead complete the cast.

Performances at 5600 Sunset Blvd., Thursdays through Saturdays, 8 p.m., through March 18. Tickets: $13.50. (213) 466-1767.