IT MUST BE HIM
The Edgemar Center for the Arts
Reviewed by Carol Kaufman Segal

When Louie (David Pevsner) wakes up in the morning greeted by his caustic, wise-cracking maid Ana (very funny Veronica Alicino), we immediately get the picture; Louie is not a very happy man at this stage in his life. Louie was once a successful comedy writer, but now at the age of 55, he is tormented by the fact that he has been suffering from writer's block, is broke, about to lose his lovely home in Beverly Hills, and is a lonely gay man. His only consolation is his long-time agent, Ross (Stephen Marshall) who continues to encourage and stand by him. This is, basically, the premise of It Must Be Him, written by Kenny Solms, well- directed by Brian Drillinger, and playing in the black-box theatre at the Edgemar Center for the Arts in Santa Monica.

 
The real enjoyment of this production is the humor in the repartee between Louie and Ana, also when the "cast" comes to read Louie's latest adventure at writing a movie. Louie's problems seem to stem, at least in part, to the fact that he always thought that his dead parents Leo (Michael Edelstein) and Rose (Beth Lane) who seem to appear in his mind, favored his brother and were never really aware of his sexual preference.
 
He also has a problem with a younger would-be actor that he took under his wing and invited to live in his home. But Scott (Nick Cobey) prefers to keep their relationship strictly plutonic. Will Louie lose his house? Will he find his perfect partner? How will this turmoil in his life be resolved? Fortunately, in a surprising ending, the audience will discover just what happens to turn Louie's life around. It Must Be Him is a very entertaining production that will keep you laughing throughout.
 
Other cast members include Stephan Smith Collins, Morgan Smith Feldman, Andy Fitzgerald, Kim Shannon, Jim Shipley, Lani Shipman and George Wyhinny. By the way, this is a comedy with original songs: music by Larry Grossman, lyrics by Ryan Cunningham, and musical director Jake Schaeffer The production plays Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 7 PM, continuing through Sunday, September 4. The Edgemar Center for the Arts is located at 2437 Main Street, Santa Monica. Tickets are available by calling (310) 392-7327 or online at www.edgemarcenter.org.

 

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