Dark-Edged Comedy, Capitalism in ‘Money’

In Colony Studio Theatre’s ripping production of Jerry Sterner’s “Other People’s Money,” Francesca Casale gives a riveting performance as a big-time lawyer, Kate, out to save a small company from the predatory inclinations of Andrew Craig’s humorously grubby, doughnut-loving Larry the Liquidator.

This production uses Scott Storey’s set originally designed for the Colony’s concurrent production, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” Although director Robin Strand skillfully works Jennifer Young’s set adaptation, the pastel colors and whimsical geometrics do not reflect the darker edge of this tale of greed and Wall Street economics. The set seems too busy for a streamlined ensemble of five, and the color scheme contradicts Laura Dwan’s costume design.

That minor point aside, Casale blazes as a smart lawyer who matches wits and comebacks with Craig’s fat cat moneymaker. Kate tries to draw her mother, Bea (Toni Sawyer), and the honest, slow-moving and totally ethical company owner, Andrew (Charles Howerton), into this new business world where debt is an asset in the game of stocks and bonds.

John Ross Clark is credible as William, the man caught in the middle, who’s worried about his future and admires Andrew’s integrity yet remains loyal to his nuclear family unit.

Despite the set, this is a funny production of a disturbing tale about capitalism.

*

* “Other People’s Money,” Colony Studio Theatre, 1944 Riverside Drive, Silver Lake. Saturdays, 2 p.m.; Sundays, 7 p.m.; on Tuesday and Wednesday at 8 p.m. Ends Aug. 8. $10. (323) 665-3011. Running time: 2 hours.