It has been less than four months since sold-out audiences experienced the wry wit and poignant vignettes that made up “Lies, Shame and Medication,” Jeffrey Deitch’s debut stage production. With the taste of theatrical triumph, laughter and applause still ringing in his ears, Deitch is launching a new set of short pieces at the Strater’s jewel box of a theater.

 

“Relationships in Durango: Can we all get along?” opens Sept. 4 for three performances (another is scheduled for Fri., Sept. 12 at the Elks Club). Early ticket sales suggest this, too, will be a success.

 

This latest endeavor continues Deitch’s very personal exploration of the tragic and hilarious complexities of modern relationships. The five one-act sketches, plus an opening monologue, examine what he says is, “Our struggle to maintain meaningful relationships, and our tendency to sabotage them.”

 

Just the Facts What: “Relationships in Durango: Can We All Get Along?” a play by Jeffrey Deitch Where: Strater Hotel Theater and Elks Club When: 7:30 p.m., Sept. 4-6 and 12

Once again drawing upon his legacy as a child of Holocaust survivors as well as his profession as an attorney, Deitch touches upon the joy and pain we derive from family, religion and “the social contract.”

 

He begins the show with a monologue delivered as a telephone conversation with a friend in which he describes much of what is to come in the next hour, “Well, it’s a series of reflections from my own life,” he tells him, “The whole post-Holocaust Jewish4  American experience, you know?”

 

Asked what Durango is like, Deitch suggests, “Picture if you will, as far as the eye can see, nothing but tattoos and facial hair. And then of course – there’s the men.”

 

To be sure, there is sarcasm and irony mixed in with a few self-deprecating digs and some off-handed remarks about wine. In short, it leaves no one unscathed.

 

Among the offerings is “New World,” a reprise from the previous play, which is set in the future when an Orwellian government controls the populace by providing free marijuana to all. Returning to the roles are actors Lisa Zwisler as the bag lady Siri and Eli Rosenbaum and Marc West, respectively, as stoners Justin and Howie. Zwisler is hilarious and commands audience attention when she delivers her lines. Simply put, she is fun to watch. Rosenbaum and West are so convincing as pot heads the audience will probably wonder what’s really in that bong.

 

Most of the cast members are seasoned actors having gained their acting chops regionally. Many of them starred in Deitch’s first play, as well as in other local productions. Nor List and Brian McAleer, both in their acting debuts, perform splendidly, with List as Annette the caretaker, in “Will Power,” alongside acclaimed local thespian Maureen May in a stunning portrayal of the matriarch Rosa. Zwisler as Marsha the visiting daughter adroitly renders the essential pathos, anger and hurt that sets the tone for what is to follow. List embodies her character with a restraint rather than over-the-top stereotyping and ultimately comes away as the voice of reason. With its sibling rivalry and family discord, righteous indignation, and godliness, “Will Power” might be the strongest play of the group, and it provides some of the most powerful moments of the evening.

 

McAleer turns in a masterful performance as Rabbi Mark Goodman opposite May’s Christian educator Sandra Larson, in “Open Heart,” which is more about ignorance than anything to do with cardiac surgery. It delves into deep-seated misperceptions, homosexuality, politically incorrect humor, and religious misunderstanding. May’s handling of her character’s ups, downs, pomposity and internal pain is pure theater.

 

McAleer considers himself a “mere rookie,” but he has great instincts on stage and admits to acting as a youngster. “I would have to say that maturity and motivation have made my recent endeavors more fun, exciting and worthwhile. Also, I have enjoyed – and learned from – watching my fellow actors rehearse.”  Reflecting on his role opposite the more seasoned May, McAleer said, “My comfort level (was) further enhanced by working with Maureen. I consider her to be an artistic pro and fun to interact with.”

 

“Contractual Relations” borders on farce and is rooted in legal matters, lust and marriage. Cory Lorenzo and Hannah Mae Bernat play the disenchanted-enchanted lovers. Although the situation’s resolution is a bit laughable, both actors play it with credibility.

Marc West, left, and Eli Rosenbaum, return as stoners Howie and Justin in “New World,” a futuristic sketch where the government controls the populace by providing free marijuana./ Photo by Jennaye Derge

 

Deitch appears again as Daniel in “Mine Field” opposite K.C. Caimi playing his much younger live-in girlfriend, Jodi. As Deitch explains, “The play is sweet, pathetic and, hopefully, amusing.”

 

Audiences may be uncertain whether to laugh or gasp during “Love Rules,” a discourse between two college freshmen roommates from different worlds, played by Rosenbaum and West. Their fateful encounter becomes a paradoxical reflection on childhood and religious uncertainty and how our lives are determined by parenting or the lack thereof.

 

Deitch has been in Durango theatre for the past 20 years. He has directed as well as performed in a variety of shows, including Gershwin’s “Crazy for You,” and Neil Simon’s “Brighton Beach Memoirs.” A graduate of Stanford University and Vanderbilt University Law School, he has worked as a broadcast journalist, trial attorney and is a certified wine professional, all of which he finds use for in his current incarnation.

 

Describing how he put on two different shows so close together, Deitch said, “I started working on ‘Relationships’ before I wrote ‘Lies, Shame, and Self-Medication.’ The first show was overall more absurd and zany. (This) current show incorporates pathos with more subtle humor.”