Effective Angst : Autobiographical solo play offers both poignancy and a point.

“Send Chocolate & Marlboros” could easily be written off as another autobiographical solo show, the type that actors think showcase their talents but more often come off as two hours of navel-gazing.

Pamela Hayden’s one-woman play, however, transcends that stereotype. In its premiere at the Lankershim Arts Center, “Send Chocolate & Marlboros” is engaging and topical, even though it centers on a personal experience from this actress’ teenage years.

Hayden was apparently troublesome as a teen. She winds up at a school called Deerbrook--where there is neither deer nor a brook--a gray zone between boarding school and juvenile hall.

Hayden primarily narrates the story as herself, playing other characters only for brief bits. Her descriptions and short impersonations quickly capture the essence of the other young people.

What gives the piece resonance is how Hayden draws these kids as real people with real potential--potential that is drained away by each day they are neglected in this so-called school.

Deliberate or not, Hayden manipulates time in that way that memory does. How long is she at Deerbrook? Or in lockup at juvenile hall after a prank turned violent? The time isn’t measured in days or weeks, but in lasting impact.

Hayden frames the memories, beginning with a reading of her file from Deerbrook and ending with a letter from “Eddie.” The former is more effective than the latter. Hayden’s style--which has been colloquial and engaging--turns stiff in reading this last letter, undermining the final moments of the play and leaving her last line dangling unnecessarily.

But these are details she and director Alyson Reed have proved they can smooth out.

Playing on Wednesday and Thursday gives her access to a high-quality stage space. The set and lighting by Russell Pyle give the show the professional polish. But running on off-nights also undoubtedly limits the audience, which is unfortunate.

More than a diary, “Send Chocolate & Marlboros” is a report from the front lines where America loses its youth.

BE THERE

“Send Chocolate and Marlboros” at the Lankershim Arts Center, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m. Ends July 16. $15. (213) 660-8587.