At first, Keegan seems way over the top until you realize that this is really the person Rue is. Trading a miserable trailer park existence in Florida for an equally wretched life in Los Angeles, she's always performing, and the more desperate she gets, the harder she tries.
Playing crazy can be tricky and, in the wrong hands, embarrassing. Holcomb avoids these pitfalls with a darkly humorous characterization that's either up or down. In a drugged haze, she'll frantically describe the plot of the reality show she's been watching to anyone who will listen…and just as suddenly she'll turn on her mother with a cutting comment that nevertheless rings true. She keeps us watching her even when she has no lines.
Veteran character actor Gordon gives Morty a pleasing heart of gold beneath his sleazy exterior, and Wright hits the correct notes as the girl who seems to be getting a free pass in life but is imbued with an unexpected streak of generosity.
Deborah Geffner's direction is sharp, bringing out the best in the actors and punching up the humor. And there's a terrific irony behind the show's title and the cult of celebrity.
Jennifer Aniston Stole My Life plays varying times through June 23rd at the Hudson Guild Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Check online for schedule and reservations.
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