‘Happy Hour’ Tips Its Glass to Disarray

In his one-man show “Happy Hour,” at the Groundling Theatre, Tim Bagley attempts to find out the meaning of a recurring dream with the help of some questionable therapists and a hilariously realized family.

“The dream took place at that time of night when everything is really still,” he says. He sees sea creatures moving cautiously up a hill to his house. Unable to discern the meaning with several therapists, Bagley decides to visit his family in Michigan because his mother, a therapist, may be able to help him unravel this mystery and other unresolved questions about his past.

In Michigan, Bagley treats us to a gently affectionate look at a dysfunctional family that “celebrates happy hour every day.” With an imaginary martini glass in hand, Bagley becomes his mother, whose psychobabble about “inner work,” evolving and “manipulation” infiltrate the normal family feuding, including their guessing games. Bagley plays an assortment of other characters, including the drugged-out schizophrenic Ann in a rousing blues number.

Director Deanna Oliver expertly guides Bagley through this series of characters, all distinctly delineated in achingly funny detail. Despite some minor sound system glitches, the show flows smoothly.

Bagley doesn’t propose any easy answers or resolutions. Instead of happily-ever-after transformations, he proposes simple acceptance of the onward continuum of life.

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* “Happy Hour,” Groundling Theatre, 7307 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood. This Sunday, 2 p.m.; June 1 and 8, 8 p.m.; June 7, 14, 21, 2 p.m. Ends June 21. $10. (213) 934-9700. Running time: 1 hour, 10 minutes.