STAGE REVIEWS / OPEN FESTIVAL : Filipino One-Acts Lack Dramatic Punch

In two one-acts from the Manila Actors Studio/Los Angeles, at the Fountain Theatre, neither writer takes a two-fisted stance in explaining the Pinoy or Filipino experience.

The weakest, Bienvenido Noriega Jr.’s “Regina R. of Greenwich Village,” resembles nothing more than a TV segment in its thin story of a successful New York model who has an old Pinoy yuppie college boyfriend and a Pinoy rocker on the string. The problem of abandoning her Filipina values for the high life is never given more than a cursory glance. Directed by Johnny Jose Cruz with peppy tempo, it’s distinguished only for the bright performances of J.R. as the rocker and Ninette Tenza as Regina’s roommate.

Rene O. Villanueva’s “A Soldier in Samar” is a stronger play, about one of those fated wartime meetings--here a soldier fighting Filipino rebels and a wise hooker with a heart of gold. They both come from poverty but have different stakes in the battle around them.

Cruz directs this piece also, but lets it drag for dramatic effect, losing what tension it might have. Bobby Vale has a couple of good moments as the soldier, but it’s Pinky Romero’s game as the girl, tough to touch but soft to hold.

At 5060 Fountain Ave.; Saturday and Sunday only, 8 p.m.; (213) 664-6504.