Day Drinkers
Justin Tanner's latest play, Day Drinkers, is set in a seedy bar that opens at 9 a.m. to the pleasure of its standard customers who begin their days imbibing. First to arrive is retired Mick (Tom Fitzpatrick) along with his latest paramour Val (Danielle Kennedy) who calls for his usual breakfast, a "scotch omelet." He is awaiting the arrival of his son Bradley (Jonathan Palmer) who is coming to meet his father's latest (before it is too late).
Mick has a habit of squandering his money, and his latest was buying Val a $7,000 ring which she pawned for a mere pittance ($65.00) to be exact) to pay for her bar bills.
Owner of the bar, Daniel (Todd Lowe) seems to have his problems as well since his wife Jenny (Chloe Taylor) has been giving him the cold shoulder for months. He is unable to understand what has changed their wonderful marriage of twelve years to a loveless one. But if he had a quick eye, he might find Jenny and his brother Caleb (Cody Chappel) compromising in a little hanky-panky.
Other stalwart customers to arrive are Sharon (Maile Flanagan) and Kate (Melissa Denton), a gay couple on their way to Lodi for a family visit which Sharon is loath to consummate. Naturally, as they drink they squabble. And as they drink, and drink, so do all.
When Bradley arrives, he and Mick have a quarrel when Bradley tells his father he has come to keep him from squandering away the last of his retirement funds and is going to take control of him and his money. When Mick leaves in anger, Bradley has no problem in being able to "make out" with Val, a trick he pulls because he knows what kind of girl she really is.
Will Sharon's and Kate's "marriage" hold up under the tensions they are having, or can they solve them in some manner? And what about Daniel and Jenny? Maybe Caleb can help to solve their love life. Will Bradley leave knowing his father learned a lesson? These are all the questions to be answered in Day Drinkers, directed by Bart DeLorenzo and playing at The Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, 2055 South Sepulveda Blvd., in West Los Angeles.
Day Drinker is playing Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 2 PM. It was scheduled to close October 9, but due to audience response, it is now scheduled to play through November 20, 2011. Reservations are available on line at www.OdysseyTheatre.com, or by calling (310) 477-2055.
EXTENDED Through Nov. 20, 2011!!!