‘Desperate Land’ Has Little to Offer

Though rock icon Jim Morrison died in 1971, his fame and following seem to grow each passing year. But even a hard-core Morrison fan will probably find little appealing about “Desperate Land,” Rich Jacobs’ one-act at Stage of Grace in Hollywood.

The play is set in 1980 in Paris’ famed Pere-Lachaise cemetery, where five of the Morrison faithful have camped beside the singer’s grave to celebrate his birthday and indulge in some sexual and alcoholic excess. The quintet includes nerdy Tim (Rene L. Moreno), pseudo-intellectual Beth (Shanee Edwards), studly Mike (Eric Tecosky), ditsy Angie (Cindy Baer) and Morrison wannabe Dug (Randy Dare).

Jacobs eventually drives home his point--namely, that these kids need to get a life--by drawing a questionable parallel between the cult surrounding Morrison and the murder of John Lennon. But the writing and dramatic construction are far too slack to make us care much about the characters. The show meanders into interminable, self-indulgent speeches, offering few clues as to why the singer has had such a powerful hold on young people.

Under Stephen Humphreys’ direction, the players muddle through as best they can. The sole convincing element comes from Moreno’s set, which accurately reproduces the grave site and surrounding gloom.

* “Desperate Land,” Stage of Grace Theatre, 1611 Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood. Fridays-Saturdays, 8 p.m., Sundays, 7 p.m. Ends Jan. 28. $15. (213) 660-8587. Running time: 1 hour, 30 minutes.