Stage

LVLT’s ‘It’s Only a Play’ sets out to strike a balance

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Las Vegas Little Theatre’s It’s Only a Play opens on March 3.
Jacob Coakley

There’s a great misdirect in the title of Las Vegas Little Theatre’s latest offering, It’s Only a Play. Those two words, “It’s only,” are always spoken by someone who truly doesn’t get it. It’s only a game. It’s only one date. It’s only four years.

What the phrase means, ultimately, is that for some, the thing is absolutely not “only” something. It’s important, it’s grand, it’s life or death—no, it’s more than life or death. It’s sublime ecstasy or the utter annihilation of light in the universe.

An artist that can find the balance between making fun of someone who takes things that seriously, and honestly respecting what it means to them is on to something terribly, hysterically, real. And that’s what drew director Gillen Brey to the play.

“As well as being a hilarious farce, there’s some really great moments in it,” Brey says. “I do like comedy, always, but this one had so much heart and made fun of theaterfolk and the craziness that is us.”

The play takes place on the opening night of another play, as the whole cohort involved in a new Broadway production waits for the reviews to come out‑the striving playwright, the bitter actress, the pompous director and more, each character ripe to be skewered.

But between the caustic put-downs of celebrity culture and classic door-slamming of farce, there are moments of genuine heart. “It’s not just one level of anything,” Brey says. “It’s got a nice mixture of heart, smart comedy and good things to say about where we’re headed.”

It’s Only as Play March 3-19, days & times vary, $21-$24. Las Vegas Little Theatre, 702-362-7996.

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