Marin Theatre stages ‘Skeleton Crew’

The action occurs in the break room where the pregnant and unmarried Shanita (Tristan Cunningham), supervisor Reggie (Lance Gardner), union representative Faye (Margo Hall) and edgy Dez (Christian Thompson) have conversations and confrontations.

With fears that the plant will close, each has a concern. Shanita wants to care for her child. Reggie wants to support his family and pay his mortgage. He’s also torn between backing the workers and appeasing management.

Faye, a 29-year worker, wants to reach the 30-year mark to collect her full pension and keep her health benefits. Dez wants to open his own business.

Faye is the voice of reason, but she has secrets that are gradually revealed. One involves ties with Reggie that go way back.

Shanita plays by the rules and tries to fend off Dez’s flirting, but chemistry develops. Dez appears to be dangerous and possibly devious.

The characters are sometimes difficult to understand. This is mainly true of Thompson as Dez, especially in his fast-talking initial scenes.

Director Jade King Carroll orchestrates the action well. She’s aided by fine performances by Hall as Faye, Cunningham as Shanita and Gardner as Reggie. Thompson has a tougher task as Dez because the character isn’t always likable.

Since this is a co-production, the set was built in TheatreWorks’ scene shop and trucked to Marin, said TheatreWorks artistic director Robert Kelley, who was at opening night with others from his company.

Running about two hours with one intermission, “Skeleton Crew” will continue through Feb. 18 at Marin Theatre Company, 397 Miller Ave., Mill Valley. For tickets and information, call (415) 388-5208 or visit marintheatre.org.

The entire production, including set, costumes and cast, will move to the Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, for TheatreWorks’ presentation running March 7-April 1. For tickets and information call (650) 463-1960 or visit theatreworks.org.