I have seen Todd Sussman in a number of comical commercials as well as in theatre comedy, TV and film. I believe Locked and Loaded is his first attempt as a playwright. Making its West Coast debut at the Santa Monica Playhouse, It may seem an odd production, but in his "... note from the Author," in the program book, the reason behind his unusual play is clearly explained. Though it is a bizarre plot, the play offers a lot of laughs as well as an endowed cast directed by the inimitable Chris DeCarlo. Irwin Schimmel (Paul Linke) and Dickie Rice (Andrew Parks) are two men with nothing in common except that they both have terminal brain cancer which is what brings them together in this dark comedy.

Though a serious subject, it is written with a great deal of humor, offering a moral sense about life and death. Irwin is a television comedy writer, albeit a distressed man. Dickie is an upper-class man of wealth. Together, they made a pact, rented a posh hotel room for one last fling before committing suicide. But their plans are suppressed by the appearance of two hookers, Catorce Martinez (Terasa Ciortino) and Princess Lay-ya (Tarina Pouoncy, alternated with Sandra Thigpen). With their arrival, comedy and chaos ensue, and the story takes on an entirely new perspective. Paul Linke is best known as Artie Grossman on CHiPs and has appeared in many motion pictures and stage productions for almost forty years, a consummate actor. Andrew Parks comes from an acting family, the son of the late Betty Garrett and Larry Parks, and an outstanding actor himself having appeared in over forty local theater productions.

Tarina Pouncy, who plays Princess Lay-ya (the night I saw the production) has a wonderful sense of comedy as does Terasa Sciortino. The plush hotel suite, as well as the lighting is by James Cooper, with costumes by Ashley Hayes. Locked and Loaded is a production of the Santa Monica Playhouse as part of its 50th anniversary celebration. It plays Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, and Sundays at 3:30 PM through April 16. The Playhouse is located at 1211 4th Street, Santa Monica. For tickets and/or further information, call the Playhouse Box Office at (310) 394-9779, ext. 1.

Recommended.

Comments? Write to us at: Letters@ReviewPlays.Com