STAGE REVIEW : ‘Proximities’ at the Shepard
Five hookers gather on Christmas Eve in a grungy diner. The women squabble a lot. A mean trick arrives looking for his camera. A prostie crashes a bottle on his head. He’s dragged out. Will he return? Will bonding prevail over squalor?
“Proximities,” Leslie Spencer’s blunt, short play at the Richmond Shepard Theatre, is about as nourishing as refried beans. But director Judith Alonso at least carves out two graphic performances, from smart, brassy Michele Mais and assertive, raucous Lynet Morrow.
This is showcase time. The uncredited costumes, with great runs in the stockings, are rich trash. The diner manager is affably played by Michael Wiseman, and the baldheaded john is a cue ball-hard turn by Robert Martino. Rod Weaver’s sound design and Beth Blasco’s set are flavorful.
At 6476 Santa Monica Blvd., Mondays through Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m., Saturdays at 10:45 p.m., through April 15. Tickets: $10; (213) 466-1767.
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