The world premier of Mike Dempsey's Miss MacInernie's Acquaintances played its heart out at the 6th@Penn Theatre's Off Night Series on Monday, Oct. 14, to cheers and laughter. Mike Dempsey, the San Diego-based playwright who entertained audiences with Handsome Men and Versions of Lust & Disgust, has a sure winner with his latest comedy. Dempsey has written a hilarious play that rings out one zinger after the other.

There are few in the community that can say that they have passed through their lives without a bit of kicking, spitting at, and dodging of their own life-threatening demons. Dempsey, with a sharp pen in hand, takes hold of the essence of everyone's fears (real or imagined), and dresses them up in net stockings, bright orange plumed hats, and even a gray cloak and dagger.

The central character of Verl, played by the handsome Barron Henzel, delighted the crowded house at the 6th@Penn (not bad for a Monday night!) with a unique tour de force performance of a strange young character. This likeable dim bulb, always intent and anxious, is bent on overcoming the demons in his life that have been tailgating his inner-self since puberty. His demons haunt, cajole, threaten and comfort. They take on unique personalities with flair and entertain the audience with anything from a bump and grind to a pushy suggestion to succumb to the dark side of life (suicide). Verl remains throughout most of the show a wounded bird, unaware of the harm created by the demon personalities that stunt his intellectual and personal life.

Amy Mayer shows us her versatility by playing the entire cast of Dempsey's demons - Miss MacInernie, Elinore, Holly and Big Bob (How can she change her clothes so fast?). Like a pop-up tart, she jumps into the theatrical fray, sporting costume changes like a trained "theme" stripper. It should be stated that all of the demons aren't necessarily bad. For example, Verl is encouraged to overcome some of life's difficulties by the good intentioned Miss MacInernie, who buzzes about the stage with her picnic basket while singing and reciting encouragement to Verl and lively recitations and spontaneous singing.

As Elinore, Verl's inner lesbian, Mayer dons the persona of a hyper-masculine female, encouraging Verl to "butch it up" and quit acting like a spineless amputee. She walks comfortably on desktops, maximizing the use of minimal stage area.

The character of Holly appears to be the hard and pounding, constant sex-drive that everyone fantasizes about. Seemingly always on fire, Holly innocently alludes to sexual combustion at almost every turn she takes.

And Big Bob's character assumes an evil persona of everyone's dark side and tries to push poor Verl into that well of darkness.

Amy Mayer is quite charming in all of her demon roles and shows a definite knack for comedy.

The Interviewer, played by Deborah Harvill-Ash, is competent as the overworked employee conducting Verl's job interview. She works hard and steadfastly, abandoning the ever-patient Verl to "take calls" away from the interview room, in which she leaves him to confront those annoying demons in life.

The stage design, with its simplistic banners of room adornment, is perfect for the small 6th@Penn stage, maximizing the cubbyhole space for its actors with just a hint of appropriate décor.

In a letter from the author, Mike Dempsey thanks the "oddball lesbians" that he's loved throughout the years, which appear to have inspired -good or bad - the demons in the play.

In his own words, Dempsey tells us that his play is about how we go merrily along our own road, growing up, and how we get bogged down by people's opinions and their influences on us. Well intentioned family and friends tell us how to think and feel and act. The play deals with the casting off of those influences (demons); thus, beginning a journey to self-realization, freer from those opinions and influences learned as a child and young adult.

I encourage you to leave the comfort of your TV sets on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday evening and visit 6th@Penn for a rollicking, fun time. Miss MacInernie's Acquaintances will tickle your fanciest bone, and you'll feel good all week long.

Miss MacInernie's Acquaintances shows Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. at 6th@Penn Theatre, 3704 6th Ave., through Nov.6. Tickets are $12 to $14.

For tickets and/or a dinner package, including dinner at Café W, call (619) 668-9210.

Arts & Entertainment