Acting keeps ‘Drowning Sorrows’ buoyant

Mary Mallory, Enjoy!

BURBANK -- Containing some nuggets of insight about seizing

opportunities and taking risks, “Drowning Sorrows” drowns in detailed

explanation and slow pacing. While it does showcase some good acting, the

production ultimately fails to ignite.

Billed as a romantic mystery, the play is more a psychological study,

examining choices made by wounded, struggling souls.

Playwright Douglas Post occasionally captures the inconsistency of

human foibles, but fails to keep the action moving because of the long,

drawn out back story and lack of an intermission.

The production focuses on bar owner Duncan (Dick DeCoit), unsure of

commitment to his waitress girlfriend Gina (Karen ffolkes).

Considering skipping town, Duncan first must deal with unexpected

patrons, the Miles, (James Henriksen and Cheryl McWilliams) who wander

into the tavern. Is he the former fiance who abandoned Emily Miles at the

altar, or a total stranger caught in her confusion?

Some characterizations hit the mark.

As the sexy Gina, ffolkes is outstanding, exhibiting a warm smile,

confident manner and bold directness.

The crisp, refined air and steely distance of McWilliams effectively

captures Emily’s stoic melancholy.

Henriksen infuses a charismatic charm to the underwritten but

intriguing character Raymond Miles.

DeCoit convincingly demonstrates physical attraction to both Gina and

Emily, but he undercuts Duncan’s dilemma by failing to truly reveal

heartfelt emotion.

Sy Richardson captures the friendly but suffering alcoholic Cole

Rucker with a hearty laugh and focused reactions, but his uneven,

singsong accent distracts attention from the depths of Rucker’s pain.

Director Richard Large and his production staff catch the essence of

the walking wounded trapped by the past.

The entire production takes place in Duncan’s bar, creatively designed

by Henriksen. Filled with subtle touches revealing his past life, the set

aptly instills the feeling of a lazy, island sanctuary. A large window at

the back of the stage dramatically frames lifelike palms and

bougainvillea.

Costumes are used effectively. Gina sports skimpy sarongs and T-shirts

while repressed characters Raymond and Emily wear pressed linen.

IF YOU GO:

WHAT: “Drowning Sorrows,” written by Douglas Post, directed by Richard

Large, produced by Jennifer Clymer.

WHERE: Third Stage, 2811 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank.

WHEN: Thursday through Saturday until Nov. 10.

TICKETS: $15 (student, senior, and neighborhood discounts available).

PHONE: 842-4755.