"Mutual Philanthropy" at the Atwater Village Theatre

Karen Rizzo's Mutual Philanthropy is a gem of a play and the Ensemble Studio Theatre/LA production serves it well. 

What Rizzo achieves in the journey of 75 minutes is a superbly well-crafted story as funny as it is moving. Set in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Mt. Washington the play focuses on the friendship of two couples, which has its roots in the local elementary school where their kids all go.

Beneath neighborly small talk and easy jokes Rizzo digs deep to expose tensions running along volatile fault lines: class, income inequality, and bare-faced prejudice, making this a thought-provoking and timely drama. Mutual Philanthropy is a play of excellent humor, great economy, and exhilarating pace, but for me, the true craft of Rizzo's pen is that it always hits its mark, and always finds le mot juste to catch the essence of a character.

Dan Bonnell's direction is dynamic, subtle, and well-choreographed.

An ensemble cast navigates the plot with deftness and the chemistry between the actors thrives with tension.  

James MacDonald as Charles provides a perfect blend of bullish arrogance and silky charm. Brea Bee's Michelle is flawless as the broken hostess with a faltering smile (and a therapist's plan to save the day); Mark Carapezza as Lee gives a nuanced performance that balances the comedy of a clueless artist with the love and heart of a husband struggling to provide for his family; and Xochitl Romero's Esther is tender, raw, and totally, totally believable as the woman fighting to keep it all together and find an honest path to her dreams. 

Runs at the Atwater Village Theatre until September 25. Tickets from www.brownpapertickets.com