The Deal

(Hudson Backstage, Hollywood; 99 seats; $15 top)

Blumsack/Reilly and the Hudson Theater in association with Rojo Prods. present a drama in two acts by Matthew Witten. Director, Ted Schwartz.

Peter - Pat Tanzillo
Jimmy - Michael Brooks
Alex - Michael Kelly
Sen. O'Hara - Mike Sabatino

In 1987, insider trading and junk bonds were buzz words, "Dynasty" was one of the most popular TV shows and America seemed to buy into the "greed is good" philosophy. Matthew Witten's play, written that year, hasn't aged well, and characterizations by the actors are too uneven to make this presentation meaningful.

When a small-time city politician unintentionally takes a bribe involving the construction of a big hotel, the FBI sees it as an opportunity to take down a crooked state senator who has ties to the project.

FBI agents Alex (Michael Kelly) and Peter (Pat Tanzillo) pull a sting operation on politician Jimmy (Michael Brooks) in an effort to get to his friend, the untouchable Sen. O'Hara (Mike Sabatino).

In the first act, the two feds plan their strategy; however, Peter is somewhat reluctant about getting to O'Hara through Jimmy.

It seems that Jimmy isn't aware of what's going on: He sits in his office naively signing off on deals, contracts, whatever; he just wants to go home to his wife and kid at the end of the day.

Peter starts to like Jimmy. Peter visits his family, they do some male bonding.

The characters' motivations are learned through lots of dialogue, delivered in a flat monotone that has little emotional attachment. Blocking by director Ted Schwartz is methodical.

Performances gain momentum in the second act; the difference is noticeable. Of special note is Sabatino, who enters in the second act and offers a dead-on characterization of the politician with something to hide -- he is at once chummy, cocky and corrupt.

This production opened at Studio City's Two Roads Theater earlier this year and transferred to the Hudson.

The actors may find their footing as the run goes on; then maybe the characterizations will add life to what they're saying.

Sets, Joe Man; lighting, Lawrence Oberman; music, Rosalie Jade. Opened July 6, 1995; reviewed July 7; runs through Aug. 20. Running time: 1 hr., 45 min.

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