Dusk Rings A Bell opens with Molly (Thea Gill) presenting a monologue. What it is about, I haven't the slightest notion. She seemed ill-at-ease and rambled on for, seemingly, too long.

 

Upon meeting once again, they discover that each one had been married, but their marriages did not last. As they desperately try to renew their romance, they realize that their lives have taken different paths in the ensuing years. Molly is a successful career woman with an important position with CNN. Ray, who had big ambitions, on the other hand, at the age of 18, found himself spending 10 years in jail as an accomplice to a murder of a gay teenager. Though Ray had no part in the actual beating of the young man, he stood by watching and did nothing to stop it.

Whether Molly and Ray are able to adjust to the differences in their lives and are able to renew their relationship balances out the rest of the story. Personally, I felt nothing for either of these two people and did not care whether they could solve their differences or not. The play itself, written by Stephen Belber could not arouse or hold my interest. However, the acting following the original monologue improved a great deal (directed by the Founding Artistic Director of the Blank Theatre, Daniel Henning).

I have always enjoyed the productions at The Blank Theatre, but this particular presentation was not one which kept me glued to their stage.

Performances of Dusk Rings A Bell play Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 2 PM., closing November 13. Online tickets are available at www.TheBlank.com,or by calling (323) 661-9827.

The Blank Theatre Company is located at 6500 Santa Monica Blvd., in Hollywood (celebrating their 21st season).