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Hollywood Types Descend Headlong Into Debauchery

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By KATHY L. GREENBERG, Tribune correspondent

Published: August 14, 2007

TAMPA - In a purple haze of simulated drug and alcohol use, Jobsite Theater's production of 'Hurlyburly' bombards the audience with philosophical diatribes on the meaning of life.

The Tony Award-nominated play by David Rabe is set in 1984 at Eddie's house in Hollywood Hills. Eddie is a low-level casting director and shares his place with Mickey, a fellow Tinseltown cog.

At day's end, Eddie pickles himself in Jack Daniels and cocaine. The toxic brew fuels a litany of self-obsessed streams of consciousness that only make him more inclined toward narcotics.

It doesn't help when his friends drop by, eager to share Eddie's highs and blather about their own existential frustrations.

Each character wears a defense - be it pharmaceuticals, violence or promiscuity - to staunch his or her worries. When not whining, the characters mock the others' foibles and fears. Their joking brings a much-needed levity to the play's heavier themes.

As Eddie, Ryan McCarthy pulses with the sustained high energy the role requires.

David M. Jenkins is well-cast as the brooding bruiser who is quick to throw a punch, while Steve Garland shines as the hilariously irreverent roommate. Dan Khoury is dead-on as Artie, the seasoned Hollywood hipster who lives to make a deal.

The female cast members hold strong against their decidedly misogynistic male counterparts.

Meg Heimstead's performance as Darlene is feisty but vulnerable. Sarah McKenna charms as a relentlessly lighthearted Donna, the Midwest transplant who cherishes her Willie Nelson cover of 'Stardust.'

Powerhouse Katrina Stevenson brings depth and humanity to the bawdy Bonnie.

Fine acting and the fast-paced direction of Jason Vaughan Evans do much to help this overlong production. Voyeurs may find the debauchery a distraction from clock watching.

A note of caution: The play is for mature audiences only.

THEATER REVIEW

Hurlyburly

WHEN: Through Aug. 26; 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Shimberg Playhouse, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa

HOW MUCH:$19.50 and $24.50; (813) 222-1001; www.tbpac.org

Kathy L. Greenberg of Tampa is a freelance writer.

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