Stage : Limp Attempt at a Sequel to ‘Buddha’

Hollywood producers grab at film sequels for one reason and one reason alone: They make money. Often big money.

It shouldn’t be too surprising, therefore, to see that Blackfriars Theatre (formerly the Bowery) is employing this film-industry tactic in presenting a sequel to its successful Spring show, “Laughing Buddha Wholistik Radio Theatre.” Saturday, the financially strapped troupe presented “More of the Laughing Buddha Wholistik Radio Theatre” at the Bristol Court Playhouse.

Like with most movie sequels, however, this theatrical one pales in comparison to the original. “More Laughing Buddha” is nowhere near as funny as its predecessor--the writing lacks zest and clarity, the performances are uneven and the overall thrust of the show is rooted in silliness rather than satire. From a marketing standpoint, “More Laughing Buddha” may have been a sound idea; from an artistic one, however, this production is sorely lacking.

The play is set in a radio-station sound stage and grants audiences a behind-the-scenes look at a live radio show. Before the advent of television, live radio shows--featuring soap operas, mysteries, comedies, etc.--populated the airwaves. Now, Garrison Keillor’s nationally broadcast “American Radio Company,” aired locally on KPBS, is among the last of the old-style radio shows.

“More Laughing Buddha,” written by Burnham Joiner and Todd Blakesley, parodies this dying genre with a collection of melodramatic tales, goofy commercials and silly station breaks. During the show, Joiner and Blakesley sit on either side of the Bristol Court stage, creating sound effects and performing a variety of dramatic roles. The rest of the cast--Paul L. Nolan, Allison Brennan and Bonnie Dillingham--stand and speak at three microphones placed at center stage.

The actors--Nolan and Brennan, in particular--bristle with gung-ho abandon and create a few sterling moments, but none of the performers manages to overcome the vapid material.

Two long melodramas constitute the bulk of the two-hour show; Nolan is the central figure in a sketch called “Crowded Lighthouse,” a story about a man on isolated lighthouse duty in the North Atlantic. After three months alone, the man goes crazy and creates a host of imaginary friends to pass the time. He eventually becomes lost in his mind and needs a road map to relocate reality.

The audience gets lost in the drama, too. The idea behind the lighthouse story is funny, but the execution misses the boat. There are so many imaginary friends that it’s almost impossible to keep track of who’s who, and the routine seems to amble on interminably. A quick, hit-and-run sketch would have been much more effective.

Another piece, “Chuck, King of Squirrels,” is so far-fetched (and so long) that it is painful to watch, and during it a tremendous silence reigned over the audience. The work revolves around a group of small woodland animals who conspire to protect the forest from invading humans. Squirrels make secret deals with skunks, magical potions are consumed and the two species unify in their fight against man, but there’s no point. Again, the premise seems zany enough to be interesting, but it just isn’t. Brennan and Dillingham work hard on their characterizations, but struggle to deliver anything interesting.

“More Laughing Buddha” is also peppered with a half-dozen or so shorter routines, and these bits are much more effective than the longer melodramas. “Doom Tip” satirizes telemarketers who will do or say anything to sell a product. “Part 1-3” is a wry sketch depicting three whining yuppies who can’t decide what to have for dinner. “Honor Enough” pokes fun at the “semi-professional regional theater” scene, and Brennan does some of her best work as a naive, aspiring actress.

Despite these successful bursts of satire, authors Joiner and Blakesley indulge themselves irresponsibly with “Crowded Lighthouse” and “Chuck, King of Squirrels.” The writing team ought to edit these dramas mercilessly before continuing “More of the Laughing Buddha.”

“MORE OF THE LAUGHING BUDDHA WHOLISTIK RADIO THEATRE”

By Burnham Joiner and Todd Blakesley. Directed by Todd Blakesley. Sound design by Burnham Joiner. Musical director is Linda Vickerman. Stage manager is Ollie Nash. With Allison Brennan, Todd Blakesley, Bonnie Dillingham, Burnham Joiner and Paul L. Nolan. At 8 p.m., Wednesdays-Saturdays, 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays, through Jan. 26. At the Bristol Court Playhouse, 1057 1st Ave., downtown. Tickets $14-$18. 232-4088.