A Confusing Fight in ‘Dearboy’s War’

Recent reports that the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policies don’t work makes Michael Ambrose’s new play, “Dearboy’s War” at the Lillian Theatre, topical. Yet despite the intriguing subject matter, this tale about four World War II soldiers accused of homosexual tendencies lacks dramatic tension.

The four men are confined together while waiting to be discharged for being gay without any clear proof. Dearboy (Chad Allen) can’t return in disgrace to his family and pleads with the judge advocate general (Jim Hiser) to let him “out” one of the other three to win his way back into active military service. The target is the flamingly swishy Tanner (an endearingly funny Darryl Armbruster).

In an attempt to save himself and his friend Billy (Tony Foster), the broad-shouldered Horse (Dave Fofi) offers to collude with Dearboy.

Brittle and snapping, the emotionally fraught Dearboy is unlikely to succeed in his 24-hour mission. His sudden about-faces, turning from friend to foe in an inexplicable flash, doom him and Horse.

The full psychological nature of Dearboy’s dilemma is vague. Who exactly is Darlene (Caitlin Prennace) and what is the depth of her relationship to Dearboy? For most of the show, she sits quietly knitting upstage with the rest of the accusers (the doctor, the chaplain, the judge advocate general) watching the action. Dearboy’s character is largely unsympathetic compared with the unapologetically flamboyant Tanner or the protective Horse, whose relationship with Billy is only superficially touched.

The ending doesn’t lead anywhere, and director Danny LeClair doesn’t always keep the action flowing as we journey there. The burning question left to the audience isn’t about prejudicial treatment but how Tanner got past the scrutiny of the military establishment.

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* “Dearboy’s War,” Lillian Theatre, 1076 N. Lillian Way, Hollywood. Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 7 p.m. Dark July 5. Ends July 14.$15-$18. (323) 930-9304. Running time: 1 hour 50 minutes.