Stuck

STRANGERS ON A TRAIN The cast of Stuck waits for signal clearance.

PHOTO: JEREMY LAWSON

The new play development process, as it’s practiced by most nonprofit theaters, has been a popular target for playwrights in the theater blogosphere. Many playwrights have complained about theater companies that hold endless readings and workshops of new plays while reserving their full productions for Shakespeare; others argue that the efforts of dramaturges and development staffs end up diluting and dumbing down the playwright’s vision.

La Costa’s world premiere of Stuck shows us the flip side of the development coin. Directed with musical direction by the author and composer, Riley Thomas, the production illustrates a case where a few dry runs and an outside eye would have been a great help. Thomas’s musical, about six Chicagoans trapped for several hours on an underground Red Line train who, while waiting for track maintenance, help one another get un-“stuck” from their various emotional issues, has potential. With a little guidance to strengthen the book and streamline the too-flourishy music, it might be something. But it’s not ready yet.

That’s not to say there’s nothing to enjoy here. Thomas writes some decent songs, though his lyrics are hard to hear above the over-amplified band. Likewise, there are nice moments from the likable, too-young cast. But there’s really no book to speak of, and no motivation for these disparate characters to bond the way they do. A little outside guidance for the young writer could have addressed these issues. Instead of putting up his musical as a one-man band, Thomas would do well to learn from his characters: Sometimes we can use a little help from strangers.