If you've never been to a show at Harlequin Productions in Olympia, Gloucester Blue by the prolific and celebrated American dramatist, Israel Horovitz, would be an amazing initiation. Horovitz has written more than 70 plays, won numerous awards for his work, founded the Gloucester Stage Company in Gloucester Mass. and is dad to Beastie Boy Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz. His newest Blue Collar Play, Gloucester Blue, "explores the character of the region in rich, dark, funny, bloody, and unvarnished detail." The play begins more dark than comedic until the climax/turning point when the humor begins to edge out the darkness that has permeated the stage.

Although the play runs about two hours with a 20-minute intermission, the pacing is quick enough that it never feels long. Horovitz's writing is brilliant as he unfolds the story of Latham, Stumpy, Lexie and Bummy. Throughout the exposition, Latham and Stumpy cautiously feel each other out and seem to come to an agreeable understanding of their status relative to each other. Stumpy is a contractor hired by Lexie and Brad (also known as Bummy) while Latham is filling in as Stumpy's usual employee is on his honeymoon. Their tentative and seemingly budding relationship is interrupted by Lexie who brings paint samples. We learn that Latham had past dealing with Lexie's father and the tension begins to mount. 

Horovitz never reveals too much too soon and surprises the audience with the way the characters and plot develop. What is remarkable about Horovitz's writing is it never seems forced or halted but naturally unfolds with an easy gracefulness until the audience is left thinking, "of course, that's exactly how this story happens." Even the parts of dialogue and action that are rougher and more blue collar never seem harsh or for shock value. 

The actors are all incredible in the demands of their roles and are amazing at the dark moments as well as the comedic. At the beginning it seems that Stumpy (played by Joey Fechtel) will be the protagonist but by the second act Latham (D. Nail) has clearly taken that role. At first, Lexie (Anna Richardson) and Brad, aka Bummy (Tom Dewey), seem like they'll merely be static, supporting characters but as the plot develops in Act II, they become dynamic as they discover more about themselves and each other. 

Both Richardson and Dewey handle the dark and comedic moments terrifically and create the perfect ensemble cast along with Fechtel and Nail. Nail's treatment of Latham was incredible and he was a killer straight man to Dewey's Bummy. Nail made the audience feel empathy for his character even in the moments where loathing may have been more appropriate. The charisma and skill of all the actors created a performance that is worth seeing - maybe more than once.

Congratulations to Harlequin Productions for choosing a brilliantly written script, fabulous actors, director and technical crew to bring it to life. They whole-heartedly deserved the standing ovation they received.

GLOUCESTER BLUE, through June 1, 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Harlequin Productions, 202 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia, $20-$31, 360.786.0151