Mamet's 'Squirrels' a Slight Nuisance

David Mamet deserves a slap on his creative wrist for penning such a nonsensical work as his 1974 play Squirrels, which is currently making its Southern California premiere at the Miles Memorial Playhouse in Santa Monica.

Directed by Travis Hammer, this early work from the highly acclaimed playwright frustrates playgoers in the same vein as the play's characters are frustrated with dreaded writers block.  Surrounding the stymied work environment of aged-writer Arthur (Don Oscar Smith) and his just as lost yet much younger writing partner Edmond (Ben Messmer), a whole lot of nothing ensues as these two go back and fourth with true Mamet banter while attempting to carve a new story.

The title Squirrels comes about as Arthur becomes hung up on the flimsy premise of a character stumbling upon one of the furry creatures while in a park one day.  Perhaps such a setup could allow certain authors to spiral upward with abundant creativity, but poor Arthur, along with Edmond, are unable to figure out just what to do after the initial setup.

Unfortunately, the production plays out nearly as dry as the one-note premise Arthur dreams up, save for scattered moments of comedic fun thanks to Vicki Lewis, who portrays the Cleaning Woman who does just about anything but tidy up.  She seems the type that might chastise a person for asking her to carry out her professional duties.  That would get in the way of her sexual advances and flippant running commentary on her bosses shortcomings.

Hilarity is never far away when Lewis makes an entrance, and her quirky persona, which last made an appearance in They're Playing Our Song at the El Portal Theatre, is at its best in Squirrels.  Smith has moments of fine acting in the show, resonating as a weathered literary who fears losing a creative edge and fading into obscurity, yet Messmer does little more than deliver the already stale sounding lines.

Squirrels' three-character structure, including a sidekick maid, echoes a handful of Mamet's other works, most apparently that of Boston Marriage and Speed-the-Plow, both of which were recently produced at the Geffen Playhouse.  Given the early nature of this play, many of the kinks have obviously been worked out since this brief 75-minute production was first written.

Jonathan Lacour provides the straightforward office set design with Cynthis Herteg's 1970's styled costumes.  Sound design is by Jon Zalewski and lighting is by Jeremy Pivnick.  Squirrels is presented by the Blue House Theatre Company and Criterion Theatre, and runs through April 29 at the Miles Memorial Playhouse.  Tickets can be purchased by calling 866-219-4944 or online at www.SquirrelsbyMamet.com.  The Playhouse is located at 1130 Lincoln Boulevard in Santa Monica. 

Top photo by Robert Moskowitz (Vicki Lewis and Ben Messmer).  Bottom photo by Bonnie Kalisher (Vicki Lewis).
 

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