In Tanner’s ‘Pot Mom’ at the Cast, It Was as if the Family Never Left

Justin Tanner’s comedies have ruled the roost at the Cast Theatre for so long that it sounds redundant to use one as a Cast fund-raiser. They’re already the Cast’s main source of revenue.

Still, for two weekends, and for the sake of the Cast, the tickets for Tanner’s 1994 hit “Pot Mom” are $50 instead of $15 and the extra lure is the chance to see most of the original cast and one extra celebrity--Laurie Metcalf of “Roseanne” fame. (Oh, there are also complimentary refreshments.)

Despite years of acclaim for Tanner’s plays, they still haven’t moved elsewhere. They’re an only-in-L.A., only-at-the-Cast pleasure. Tanner, who directs as well as writes, appreciates Cast producer Diana Gibson’s support, and he has been able to create the perfect ensemble for his work at the small Hollywood space. He zealously guards his right to continue doing so--something that he’s concerned might be lost if the work is exported to bigger stages or distant cities.

However, watching Metcalf jump seamlessly into “Pot Mom,” one realizes that the right star can indeed enter the Tanner ensemble without overpowering it. This kind of casting might be considered commercially necessary if the play ever moves to a larger venue, so it’s comforting to see that it won’t necessarily wreak havoc.

Of course, Tanner is still in charge, working in his customary intimate quarters. The cast members speak so fast and occasionally so quietly that they would have to adjust their delivery a bit for a larger venue. They react so well to Tanner’s guidance, however, that this probably wouldn’t pose a major hurdle.

Metcalf doesn’t play the title role of Patty--that’s back in the hands of Ellen Ratner, whose sly smile is softened by Patty’s twin addictions to marijuana and television.

As might be predicted by “Roseanne” watchers, Metcalf plays Patty’s best friend, Michelle (a role created by Elizabeth Ruscio). It’s a lot better than most “best friend” roles, though, for Michelle is a major plot engine, heedlessly making a move that at least temporarily severs the friendship.

Metcalf makes every moment count. She has some superb scenes with French Stewart, who has gone on to prime-time fame himself, as Harry in “3rd Rock From the Sun” and who’s back as Son of Pot Mom. Another member of the cast who’s a TV regular now is Mary Scheer, whose vast comic range--seen weekly on “Mad TV”--is barely suggested by her secondary role here as a snooty socialite.

Jonathan Palmer struts and frets with style as the household dictator and pot dealer, Laurel Green and Dana Schwartz are squabbling sisters, Gill Gayle and Jon Amirkhan are the local dudes, and Lisa Beezley is the beauty queen. Note to the uncredited costume designer: Gayle’s skirt rings true, Beezley’s dress doesn’t.

* “Pot Mom,” Cast Theatre, 804 N. El Centro Ave., Hollywood. Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 7 p.m. Ends April 20. $50. (213) 462-0265. Running time: 1 hour, 55 minutes.

Watching Laurie Metcalf jump seamlessly into “Pot Mom,” one realizes that the right star can indeed enter the Tanner ensemble without overpowering it.