A keen look at the politics of morality

“Can anyone be completely virtuous and rational?” That is one of many questions posed by “The Intern.” Jon Cellini’s study of a paragon congressman and the intern who inverts him receives a compelling Theatre Tribe premiere.

The protagonist, Bud Rex (David Haydn-Jones, alternating with Bronson Picket), is a rising political star of presidential caliber, thanks to handler Jerry Tondino (Jeff Kerr McGivney, who alternates with Michael B. Silver). Enter Diana Sheridan (Beth Anne Garrison), the Spinoza-spouting title character, to test Bud’s self-possessed integrity and Jerry’s campaign strategy. A Sacramento morality play develops.

Despite his charged dialogue and irreverent humor, Cellini isn’t after political melodrama here. The crisscrossing timeframe, grounded by reporter Maxine Carpenter (Tara Orr, sharing the role with Corie Vickers), who quizzes Bud about Diana’s disappearance, lets past interface with present on Jeff McLaughlin’s stairs-to-nowhere set. Though Act 1 ends with disclosure, the intrigue holds. In Act 2, as Bud’s devoted assistant April Pyle (Moira Squier) endures federal agents, Cellini shifts focus to her. This proves an inspired move, leading to a disturbing climax and a bitterly ironic fade-out.

Ace director Stuart Rogers oversees wholly serviceable designs, especially Luke Moyer’s vital lighting, and his terrific cast commits to Cellini’s tragicomedy of ethics. Haydn-Jones finds the human marrow inside Bud’s charisma, riveting against Garrison’s incisive Diana. McGivney gives Jerry stunning, vulgar power. As Maxine, the arresting Orr keeps us guessing. Elizabeth Navarro (trading off with Alex Fatovich) tosses off various characters. Squier’s starchy April quietly walks off with the show.

The performances counter any odd cosmetic quibbles. Some quips and self-comments are extraneous; the never-seen wives and Maxine’s final scene need more definition. Yet, as populist theater goes, “The Intern” is gripping, original and hauntingly effective.

*

‘The Intern’

Where: Theatre Tribe Studio Theatre, 5267 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood

When: 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays

Ends: Aug. 27

Price: $20

Contact: (866) 811-4111

Running time: 2 hours, 10 minutes