Ex-Marrieds Go Back to ‘Familiar Places’

A clean break is the elusive brass ring in every divorce. Having finally achieved it, the middle-aged ex-marrieds in Richard Lenz’s new comedy, “Familiar Places,” at Theatre 40 are understandably reluctant to trade in their hard-won freedom for mutual dependence.

Naturally, that’s exactly the predicament in which Hank and Sarah Kessler find themselves when their newly married son deposits his wife’s four children (by someone else, no less) in their temporary custody.

A psychologist used to taking a firm stand with everyone else’s problems but her own, Sarah (Sharon Spelman) is none too happy about sharing child-care duties with Hank (Lenz), an acerbic film critic. Worse, Hank talks her into giving him some informal counseling for his drinking problem, and before you can say superego , the two are once again enmeshed in each other’s lives.

Assured performances from Lenz and Spelman make convincing their journey down that familiar road. In an exceptional supporting performance, Lori Thimsen as their self-absorbed, none-too-bright daughter-in-law drives them to hilarious distraction, especially when a goofy near-death experience has her threatening to extend the children’s visit indefinitely while she “finds herself.” Steven Scott Jones is suitably harried as her well-meaning but immature spouse, in over his head.

While old baggage rears its head from time to time, there’s a refreshing absence of rancor as playwright Lenz sets his sights on bridging schisms through understanding and acceptance rather than grinding axes. In a piece that’s content with evoking recognition rather than insight, Marcia Rodd’s breezy direction is appropriate and enjoyable, placing no more weight on the material than its modest ambitions can sustain.

* “Familiar Places,” Theatre 40, Beverly Hills High School, 241 Moreno Drive. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. Ends July 9. $14-$17. (213) 466-1767. Running time: 1 hour, 40 minutes.