"Frankie and Johnny in the Clair De Lune" at the Hudson Mainstage Theatre, Hollywood, CA

This past Sunday evening I reluctantly attended what I thought would be another theatrical train wreck. In the past five months of my residence in Los Angeles I have seen a number of disappointing and forgettable shows. As an actor this deeply troubled me as I began to miss the rich and abundant quality theater back in New York. I was slowly becoming cynical, joining in with the general opinion on L.A. theater: don't even bother, it's not any good. How sad, right? Well, I am very happy to admit that I have recently been singing a different tune after catching a performance of "Frankie and Johnny in the Clair De Lune" at the Hudson Mainstage Theatre in Hollywood.

Terrence McNally's play, written in 1987, is one of the most honest and touching love stories I have seen in a long time. And although it is over 20 years old, its central message is still very relevant. The premise concerns two middle aged, average looking coworkers at a diner who end up in bed together following their first date. Roles are seemingly reversed as the relentless romantic Johnny declares his love for Frankie, who is intent on kicking him out the door as soon as she puts on her robe. The story plays out over several hours as they share the intimate details of their unlucky and unglamorous lives: Frankie as an unsuccessful actress/waitress and Johnny an ex-convict short order cook. We watch as her defenses slowly soften, his intentions become clear, and they both try to articulate the connection between them. Is it love or postcoital bliss? "Frankie and Johnny in the Clair De Lune" is not glamourous. Romeo and Juliet they're not. The characters are rough around the edges and quite flawed, which is perhaps why their stories are so touching. They are real.

I think that the key element to the success of this production is the casting. As Frankie and Johnny, both Darin Cooper and Lisa Lee Cooper (no relation) are spot on. They portray their characters truthfully and with ease. I have to say it was a pleasure watching these actors fully commit to the text and the moment. I cannot remember a single point in the performance where I felt removed from the circumstances of the play. And that, from an actor's perspective is the highest of praises. Perhaps my accolades should be extended to producer Larry Moss, who is the long time acting teacher for both Coopers. I will definitely be researching Mr. Moss in the near future.

Apparently this particular production took over six years to bring to fruition. I am sure it was worth the wait, not only for its cast and crew but also its audience. "Frankie and Johnny in the Clair De Lune" left me with hope for Los Angeles theater and maybe a little hopeful about love in general. What more could I ask for in a show?