‘Money’ Chronicles Neighborhood Life

Though its new title might suggest a broad ethno-economic focus, Yabo Yablonsky’s “Jews Without Money” has more modest ambitions--evoking the ghost of his youth on the streets of 1950s Brooklyn.

Formerly staged as “Cracks in a Sidewalk,” the play conjures a convincing portrait of Brownsville, as Yablonsky’s assorted toughs, floozies, immigrants and indigent drifters refer to their gritty neighborhood. More than 15 of these colorful eccentrics are sketched in a series of direct-address monologues, presided over by a fictionalized narrator-author’s stand-in (Barry Thompson).

In keeping with a close-knit neighborhood, the format exposes a wide range of personalities; also, it affords stage time for a large and notably well-cast ensemble. David Cox’s sharp staging prevents any serious bogs in momentum. However, the variety comes at the expense of depth, as we only spend a few minutes with each character.

In contrast to theater that reveals hidden truths about characters through their interaction with one another, monologue insights are inherently confined to what the characters can believably articulate about themselves--a serious limitation with this population.

Not surprisingly, the most effective portraits are of the older characters who’ve amassed some life experience, as realized by Rigg Kennedy, Jade Hykush), Tom Boffi, William York Hyde and Mark Hatfield. One of the few interactive scenes, involving the narrator in a sweet coming-of-age tryst with a more experienced girl (Cheyenne Kane), only emphasizes the dramatic possibilities missing in these monologues. As is, the show’s appeal may not extend much beyond mature Brooklynites who like to look through one another’s photo albums.

* “Jews Without Money,” American Renegade Theatre, 11136 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 3 p.m. Ends July 16. $18. (818) 763-4430. Running time: 2 hours, 20 minutes.