A Heavy Hand Slaps ‘First Couple’

A lot of money and effort have gone into “First Couple,” Jefferson Beeker’s new comedy at the Tiffany about the first gay President of the United States and his “First Gentleman.” The physical production is handsome. The play’s director, Jules Aaron, has a long history of impressive credits, as does his seasoned cast.

Unfortunately, Beeker’s effort is not so much a play as it is a pitch, a Hollywood high concept that probably sounded hilarious over lunch but drops with a dull thud in the execution.

With the Vice President resigning in a scandal, Blair Tyler (Michael Sabatino) is appointed to fill his position, only to quickly accede to the Presidency when the President himself resigns. Washington journalist Jason Lawrence (Steve Tyler), Blair’s significant other, finds himself determinedly shoved into the background by Blair’s Machiavellian Chief of Staff Sylvia Porter (Lynne Moody.)

There are a few funny quips, but Beeker’s plot is appallingly hamhanded, as is Aaron’s direction. Despite frequent hugs and mouth kisses, Sabatino and Tyler convey little sense of genuine intimacy. The evening’s saving grace is the marvelous Jason Bernard, who glides through his role as a savvy TV reporter with the effortless comic timing of an old pro.

* “First Couple,” Tiffany Theatre, 8532 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 and 7 p.m. Ends Nov. 4. $26-$30. (310) 289-2999. Running time: 2 hours, 10 minutes.