Multiple Problems Put ‘Inside Out’ on the Couch

The title of the musical “Inside Out” suggests that its five women who are in group therapy together are each going to get a thorough psychological examination in song. The show looks a little like a would-be “A Chorus Line.”

But “Inside Out,” by Doug Haverty and Adryan Russ, lacks the narrative drive engendered by the competitive element in “A Chorus Line.” It also lacks memorable songs. The characters remain largely predictable and superficial.

Still, it’s conceivable that “Inside Out,” which was known as “Role Play” and “Reaching Up” in earlier L.A. incarnations, could be a lot more engaging than it is in the current version, mounted by Woodland Hills Theatre at the West Valley Playhouse.

Noel Britton’s staging is plagued by miscasting and by long blackouts between scenes that kill the momentum.

It’s not a washout. Elizabeth Marone is tart and tough as the executive who needs more domestic down time. Director Britton, who plays a lesbian worried about her teenage son, sings well and has the character’s sense of cheerful denial about her nonexistent love life firmly in hand.

Courtney Ter-Velde and Diana March aren’t bad as an overwhelmed young mom with a flirty husband and as a stereotyped flower child, respectively. But in terms of their looks, it would make more sense if they switched roles. Ter-Velde’s character is obsessed with her weight. The other women scoff at her concerns, but the character should at least look as if she might have struggled with the issue. Ter-Velde looks so trim and compact that the subject seems to come out of nowhere.

As the other two women, Bonnie Robertson and Dante Montgomery share a similar inability to project their singing voices whenever the score gets louder than a lullaby. With Robertson, who plays the therapist, it’s not quite as crucial a problem as it is with Montgomery, who plays a former pop star. Although the character’s star has fallen, it isn’t because her voice has declined. She even has a solo titled “All I Do Is Sing,” which seems unfortunately ironic, especially considering that her triumphant return to performing is supposed to be the show’s grand finale.

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“Inside Out,” West Valley Playhouse, 7242 Owensmouth Ave., Canoga Park. Fridays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2:30 p.m. Ends Sept. 1. $20. (818) 884-1907. Running time: 2 hours, 35 minutes.