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In White People, a play comprised of three interlinking monologues, playwright J.T. Rogers looks to explore just how deep racism runs within the white community. But though the play provides three juicy roles for three talented performers, the play and playwright expose only what is generally known to be an uncomfortable truth: adversity will bring out the worst in people's behaviors and attitudes, bigotry included.

Perhaps the most interesting character is Martin Bahmueller (John Dossett), a high-powered attorney, Brooklyn born-and-bred, who's relocated his family to the 'burbs in the Midwest. There he rules over the law firm he runs and his family with an iron fist. At the opposite end of the socio-economic spectrum is Mara Lynn Doddson (Rebecca Brooksher), a Southern woman whose married life to the star athlete from her high school has not been what she hoped. He's faltered, both in career and personally, and they're having to raise a young son who suffers from severe epileptic fits. Somewhere in between, economically, is Alan Harris (Michael Shulman), a college teacher in New York, living with his pregnant wife.

As the characters discuss their worlds and lives, negative racial perceptions and biases creep in. Alan makes assumptions about one of his African-American students based on the way she dresses. Mara fairly spits out the name Jose when she talks about her husband's demanding boss and is equally cutting about the Indian-born doctor who's treating her son. Martin's racism is revealed as he describes the ways in which he moderates his temper around his assistant. These details reveal how subtly, and overtly, racism plays a part in the characters' lives, and actually force theatergoers to consider their own attitudes. Sadly though, when Rogers' writing becomes increasingly heavy-handed, the play loses its power to inspire such contemplation.

Under the guidance of director of Gus Reyes, the trio of actors turns in assured performances that easily blend comedy and drama. Dossett, in the piece's showiest role, seems to revel in Martin's temper and love of specificity and language. Brooksher's portrayal of the curiously bewildered Mara is terrifically moving at points. Shulman makes Alan a marvelously accessible everyman.

John McDemott's scenic design invokes with spare specificity the environments in which each of the characters lives and Les Dickert's scenic design is beautifully atmospheric. There's an economy in these design elements that one wishes extended to White People itself, which ultimately provides too much detail to have any genuine impact.

---- Andy Propst

White People plays at Atlantic Stage 2 (330 West 16th Street). Performances are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday through Saturday at 8pm with matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 3pm. Tickets are $45.00 and can be purchased by calling 212-279-4200 or by visiting www.ticketcentral.com. Further information is available online at www.WhitePeopleThePlay.com

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