Trouble in a Clinic and ‘In the House’

The only thing more distressing than a play without a subject matter is a subject matter without a play. The latter is exactly the problem with “In the House of the Lord,” Dave Barton and L.A. Margrave’s essay into happenings at an abortion clinic.

In a small room at the Huntington Beach Art Center, under Barton’s nonexistent direction, actors stand on stage, usually in a straight line facing the audience, and deliver the pamphleteering lines.

The story concerns a couple of religious fanatics who invade the clinic, kill the doctor and his receptionist and create terror among those remaining, including some patients.

It’s all linear and clear-cut, but it’s quite amateurish and not in the least dramatic or theatrical in spite of the situation.

In one extended scene, bloodthirsty zealot Paul (Steven Parker) has a violent confrontation with confused Nathan, who takes girlfriend Darcie (Montica Reeves) to the clinic after his passionate refusal to wear a condom.

Paul’s equally zealous wife, Jan (Jenn Ortiz), is simultaneously trying to convert Darcie. Meanwhile, Gail (Susan Shearer), a married woman whose biological clock is running down, and The Nurse (Jody J. Marler), both trussed up with tape, discuss the situation.

*

When bits of one conversation are heard, the other actors are left adrift, looking uncomfortable and glaring at each other until their turn to speak comes around again.

The Doctor’s (Margrave) preliminary interview with Gail is delivered with each in a spotlight, facing the audience. This and Barton’s other pointless attempts to give the piece some visual interest only point up the lack of craft or skill in this project.

Some of the actors are capable and worthy of better treatment by the playwrights and director. Ortiz and Parker try their best to breathe life into their sadistic foray but given only one note apiece by the authors, they have a hard time.

Shearer is sometimes touching as the wife who learns her unborn child will be retarded, and as the naive young couple, Rick Brant and Reeves have a sincerity and honesty beyond the vapid script.

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

* “In the House of the Lord,” Huntington Beach Art Center, 538 Main St. Friday-Sunday, 8 p.m. Ends Aug. 31. $10. (714) 281-6814. Running time: 1 hour, 30 minutes.

L.A. Margrave: The Doctor

Steven Parker: Paul

Jenn Ortiz: Jan

Susan Shearer: Gail

Rick Brant: Nathan

Montica Reeves: Darcie

Jody J. Marler: The Nurse

A Rude Guerrilla Theater Company production of a play by Dave Barton and L.A. Margrave. Produced by Margrave and Don Hess. Directed by Barton. Lighting design: Jamie Sweet.