LOS ANGELES FESTIVAL : SELDOM SURPRISING : ‘MARXISM’ HURTS A BIT

Hollywood is full of people who are always “on” who might benefit from a dose of Marty Parker’s “Marxism,” a one-act about a young man (Tom Fahn) whose life is one long Groucho Marx routine.

Paul’s obsession with Groucho costs him his job and his relationships with women and his parents. He talks to his psychiatrist, his roommate, God and his audience about his peculiar problem. Finally, a couple of sobering incidents begin to shake him free from his idol.

Seldom surprising, “Marxism” often seems like little more than an excuse to recall a string of Groucho’s remarks. It’s at its best when we witness firsthand the cost of Paul’s behavior in scenes with his father (Robert Malcheski) and girl friend (Dyanne DiRosario).

Fahn is well cast, though he doesn’t prevent us from wondering how Paul ever got a job or a girl friend in the first place. The play could use a scene or two in which we see Paul struggling to control his wisecracking in the presence of strangers.

Bryan Rasmussen’s staging suffers from the atrocious sight lines and uncomfortable seating of the venue, the Itchey Foot.

Performances are at 801 W. Temple, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30 p.m., through Sept. 25. Tickets: $5; (213) 481-3943.