‘Fellow Traveler’ Faces Some Real Dilemmas

Any doubts that Harold Gould would make a great Lear are eliminated by “Fellow Traveler” at Malibu Stage Company. As Arnold Priest, the caustic protagonist of John Herman Shaner’s new play, this treasurable artist eviscerates himself and everyone within earshot.

Shaner introduces Arnold in 1996, torn by his memoirs, updates of the July 2 Russian election results, and long-suffering fourth wife Providence (Mimi Cozzens).

Once, Arnold and writing partner David (Michael Kagan) were aligned with Stalin’s masses and each other. Then things soured, sending David back East, with Arnold ossifying into a network veteran barricaded in his Hollywood Hills fortress of self-deception.

Now, David has returned with holistic bride Evening Star (Molly Weber) in tow. Their attempts to conceive have amassed medical debts, reducing David to asking a favor.

Two studio whiz kids (David Barry Gray and Joshua Schulman) in Arnold’s orbit could supply this. The obstacle is contrarian Arnold himself, leading to recriminatory admissions and spiritual immolation.

Director Charles Marowitz elicits compelling work from Gould and his fellow absolute troupers. On opening night, Cozzens fainted onstage but rebounded with exemplary grace. Kagan is excellent, Weber outshines her device-ridden role, and Gray and Schulman offer tickling satires of the New Hollywood.

Yet Shaner’s insider’s ear for hilarity and hubris proves more skillful than illuminating. The interweaving of ideological and personal dilemmas isn’t exactly profound, with the upbeat ending a crowd-friendly cheat. Though recommended, “Traveler” would benefit from the courage of its players’ convictions.

“Fellow Traveler,” Malibu Stage Company, 29243 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. Fridays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 5 p.m. Ends Oct. 20. $10-$20. (310) 589-1998. Mature audiences. Running time: 2 hours.