STAGE REVIEWS : FRINGE FESTIVAL : ‘ALEX VANDENBERG’

“The Love Song of Alex Vandenberg” is a misnomer for the romantic comedy at Actors Alley. T. J. Walsh’s account of a 30-year-old man’s two affairs during his first year of teaching at the University of Texas lacks lyricism.

Or maybe it’s Steve Barr’s performance that’s as flat as the Texas plains. Another character’s description of Alex, a recent emigrant from Berkeley, as “California-ish” is inappropriate in nearly every way. We don’t feel Alex’s hurt when both affairs end awkwardly.

The ending of the first is contrived; the woman (Brenda Isaacs) leaves Austin permanently, for no compelling reason other than to give the play a second act.

Alex tells us he loves the second woman (Susan Mackin), but we don’t see it. There certainly isn’t enough chemistry between these two English professors for her to move in with him--especially into the tiny, bookless apartment designed by Renee Hoss.

On two occasions, aptly called “Pirandello-ish,” Barr/Alex (he doubles as the narrator/”playwright”) tries to steer the play away from potentially painful scenes, only to encounter a wall of protest from the other actors and the “director” (Sam Zap).

These scripted mutinies are the play’s funniest moments, but their joshing tone makes it difficult to take seriously the supposedly painful scenes (when Alex finally agrees to do them).

Jordan Charney directs.

Performances are at 4334 Van Nuys Blvd., Thursdays through Sundays at 8 p.m., through Sept. 26 , with a matinee Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets: $10-12; (818) 986-2278.