‘92 Days’ Chronicles Life of Drifting Rural Writer

Newly divorced Leon Barlow (Stan Cahill) makes his last decision. He will “live hand and mouth,” earning just enough money to keep some food in his belly and beer in the fridge, but not enough to pay child support.

Can a deadbeat dad be funny? In Mississippi novelist Larry Brown’s “92 Days,” presented by the Freeplay Theatre Company at the Powerhouse Theatre, the deadpan desperation and the sometimes tragic experiences of this struggling rural writer are at turns humorous, pathetic and poignant.

Brown’s writing was adapted for the stage by director Gary Dean Ruebsamen with a minimalist style and laconic grace. Leon drifts through his life working and writing and reading hilariously delineated rejection letters. The talented trio of Peter Krause, Erin J. O’Brien and Steven Guevara play multiple roles representing various people in Leon’s life--from his cattle-owning uncle (Krause) to his embittered ex-wife (O’Brien) to his son (Guevara) and many more. All this is accompanied by the twangy guitar-playing of Jordan Mott.

It’s a tale that meanders like life itself, from a place where the pace of living is a little slower.

* “92 Days,” Powerhouse Theatre, 3116 2nd St., Santa Monica. Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 7 p.m. Ends April 12. $10. (818) 789-8499. Running time: 1 hour, 30 minutes.