THEATER REVIEW : ‘American Values’ Misses Its Targets

During the 1992 election campaign, the Rough Theater produced a vigorous dash of unbuffed political satire called “Spin.” This election year, it tried again, with “Traditional American Values,” at the Hudson BackStage. And failed.

“Values” is scattershot where “Spin” was precise. In its tale of rampant corruption and hypocrisy beneath the surface of Single Valley, USA, it’s treading territory that has been savaged much more effectively elsewhere.

Writer-director Eric Diamond threw in a couple of scenes intended to be purposefully shocking, including one that appears to have been inspired by the Bobbitt saga. But everything is so over the top that the actual shock value is slight.

Many of the scenes are short, yet separated by unduly long blackouts. Any comic momentum--and any political points that Diamond may be trying to make--are frittered away. Perhaps, like the losers in Tuesday’s election, Diamond should start pondering how to make a more successful comeback in 1996.

* “Traditional American Values,” Hudson BackStage, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Fridays-Saturdays, 10:30 p.m. Ends Nov. 19. $10. (213) 660-8587. Running time: 1 hour, 40 minutes.