Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Somewhere Between Low Humor and High Morality: 'Guided Consideration of a Lamentable Deed'

Falling somewhere between the low humor of Fast Times at Ridgemont High and the high morality of Charles Dickens, Frank Basloe's Guided Consideration of a Lamentable Deed follows an otherworldly guide through an ethical and redemptive journey on the eve of a college graduation. Under the sweeping direction of Dylan Southard, this Need Theater production invokes a discourse of social philosophy punched with giggly pot jokes to shed light on a sexual indiscretion. Guided Consideration of a Lamentable Deed is a stylish and didactic new work, that remains funny and unpretentious through capable performers.
Guided Consideration of a Lamentable Deed features a well-chosen cast that that accentuates individual comedic and dramatic abilities. Ben Kurland leads the cast as Tim, a conflicted anti-hero that manages likability despite his unsavory actions. Kurland smartly and skillfully plays an atypical and irresolute leading man with uncertain and cautionary energy that realistically suits the role. Isabella Ortega and Ian Forester give outstanding dramatic performances. Ortega floods the role or Marianne with tenacity, bitterness, and emotive depth. Forester brings balance, grit, and rationalizing brawn to the work. Edward Kiniry-Ostro and Terence Leclere are a hilarious and memorable comedic duo as Ariel and Eytan.
.
Southard's direction is fluid and smooth with broad use of the stage. Process, passage, and change are symbolically integrated into his staging through deliberate use of partial darkness and vignettes. Guided Consideration of a Lamentable Deed is beautifully integrated into a non-traditional theatre space with striking set features. Keeping with the play's theme, beer and post-show music come with the price of admission.
Guided Consideration of a Lamentable Deed is playing at Cafe Club Fais Do-Do through October 15, 2011. Tickets are $20 and available online or via phone at 877-369-9112.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.

-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.