‘25 Psychics’ Tries to Find Its True Self

Lauren Tom’s solo show “25 Psychics” at Highways primarily concerns the actress’s stumbling search for spiritual enlightenment, including the 25 psychics she has consulted over the years. Developed with and directed by Steve Kaplan, this consciousness-raising comedy is also a wryly sentimentaljourney into Tom’s own past.

Raised in the only Asian American family in a largely Jewish suburb of Chicago, Tom reminisces about her upbringing, particularly her indomitable grandmother Helen Dare (her American name), a feisty Chinese immigrant who hammers out a place in America by virtue of hard work--and an even harder head.

Tom, who has tried everything from tai chi to dream analysis to meditation in her quest for serenity and meaning, even winds up consulting a “dog psychic” in hopes of healing her ailing dog. Refreshingly devoid of new age sanctimony, Tom has a humorous self-awareness that contrasts compellingly with her experiences of genuine spiritual epiphany. However, even though Tom has been developing this material for some months now, her too-brief, underdeveloped showcase still seems very much like a work in progress. Somewhere in the future, however, there may be a more refined, mature work.

* “25 Psychics,” Highways, 1651 18th St., Santa Monica. Thursdays-Sundays, 8:30 p.m. Ends June 16. $12. (213) 660-8587. Running time: 50 minutes.