BY MYSELF IN A CROWD: Solos in Harmony IV Lackluster or predictable writing renders this sextet of thematically linked solo pieces disappointing, though the acting is certainly impressive. Among the two best of the bill, Erica Clare's seemingly autobiographical Colorgirl begins at an audition for an African-American role, where the light-skinned Clare is told she doesn't "look black." This leads to a reminiscence of how being "interracial" has affected her life. Clare is a deft mimic, and her depictions of her attempts to fit in different ethnic situations are convincing and humorous. Her show, regrettably, ends too quickly. Paul Schackman performs in his own powerful Don't Move Me, the story of a vivacious salesman struck down by disease. The affecting Schackman combines humor and pathos wonderfully, until the overwrought coda. Mitchell . . . (written by Brian-Paul Mendoza and energetically acted by Butch Klein) and 'M' Appeal (written and performed by Kevin Fabian) respectively tell the stories of a gay man's last party and of gay adolescence. Both feel like overly familiar one-man show material and don't otherwise distinguish themselves. Ifeoma Maree performs her Signature, a pleasant though slight memory play. Matthew Perniciaro's Present And Past (gamely acted by Joel West) ends the show on a particularly weak note, with what starts out as a romantic comedy becoming a silly, over-the-top psychodrama. In an evening such as this, it's next to impossible to discern the effectiveness of the various directors.

Blue Sphere Alliance at the Lex Theater, 6760 Lexington Ave., Hlywd.; Tues., 8 p.m.; thru Oct. 31. (323) 930-9304. (Terry Morgan)

Borrowed from: http://www.laweekly.com/theater/nutheater0046.shtml

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