Musical ‘Clock’ Proves Awkward Mix

“The American Clock,” now at Theatre Geo in Hollywood, runs slow.

This is a musicalization--or “a vaudeville,” as the program describes it--of Arthur Miller’s play about ordinary Americans during the Great Depression, based on a production staged at the National Theatre of Great Britain.

Unfortunately, Miller and music don’t mix, at least not in this case. The text reveals some of the author’s most annoying habits, including a penchant for tired left-wing agitprop (lots of vague allusions to coming revolution) and lazy characterizations (ranging from hard-pressed housewives to a tap-dancing CEO).

Moreover, the addition of jazzy, sharply crafted period tunes (by Gershwin, Arlen and others, with solo piano accompaniment) only underscores how drab and dramatically inert the underlying material is.

Acting and vocal talents vary widely among the 19-member ensemble, leaving director Steven Benson with a “Clock” in need of repair.

* “The American Clock,” Theatre Geo, 1229 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 1 p.m. Ends Dec. 22. $18. (213) 466-1767. Running time: 2 hours, 55 minutes.