Acting Sparkles in Poignant ‘Blue Sea’

Hardly a fish out of water on local stages, John Patrick Shanley’s oft-presented “Danny and the Deep Blue Sea” still yields its share of sunken treasures, thanks to committed performances from Martin Marino and Nanea Reeves at the Beverly Hills Playhouse.

Exploring the depths of inarticulate urban rage, Shanley’s taut one-act excels at tracing two losers’ poignant efforts to salvage their higher natures. Ships in the night who first greet each other with sullen mutual antagonism, Danny (Marino) and Roberta (Reeves) discover they have more in common than a hatred for their respective fathers--they both have dreams of a better life that perpetually eludes them. And while they can’t quite shape those dreams in words, we can see the longing even in the midst of their saltiest ranting.

Sporting a whale of an attitude, Marino’s Danny convincingly flounders in unfocused confusion. As the more reflective, chain-smoking Roberta, Reeves supplies the fragile hook that just might guide them both to an emotional safe harbor--if they can ford the shoals of their most self-destructive fears.

Robert Walden’s brisk direction anchors the piece in gritty realism, except for waves of alternate reality in which the pair breaks into a surreal tango dance (these would be more effective with more accomplished dancers, but on balance the emphasis is better placed on the acting). Casting a wide net through squalid waters, Shanley’s play snares a heartfelt catch of tough-minded optimism, worth the effort even if, for the troubled Danny and Roberta, it might turn out to be just another fish story.

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* “Danny and the Deep Blue Sea,” Beverly Hills Playhouse, 254 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills. Fridays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 7 p.m. Ends Sept. 6. $20. (213) 660-TKTS or (818) 907-6852. Running time: 1 hour, 25 minutes.