LaWeekly.com
Though Herb Gardner�s comedy was a hit on Broadway in 1962 and later became a popular movie, its charms are obscured by director Nicolas Porcelli�s pedestrian revival. Eccentric, unemployed writer Murray (Rico Simonini) has assumed guardianship of his young nephew, Nick (Robbie Godshaw), who�s devoted to him. Now the Department of Child Welfare has become alarmed by Murray�s irresponsible, happy-go-lucky lifestyle, and seeks to �rescue� Nick and put him in foster care. Murray�s smart-ass attitude has antagonized one stuffy social worker (Matthew Wilberg), while another, free-spirited Sandra (Isadore Lynn), takes a shine to Murray and seeks to reform him. Murray is obviously meant to be a charming oddball, and we should sympathize with his desire to retain custody of his nephew, but Porcelli�s slackly articulated production never makes his affection for the boy real. Murray emerges as merely an irresponsible slacker, and much of the piece falls flat. The capable Barry Shay makes Murray�s square, unimaginative brother Arnold into the most credible character in the play. Pilot Light Theater, 6902 Santa Monica Blvd., Hlywd.; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 & 7 p.m.; thru Sept. 4. (323) 960-4418. Note: Some roles are double cast. (Neal Weaver) Online Review