Al’s Business Cards

Review By: Carey Purcell
CareyPurcell@TheCinemaSource.com

“Coulda, woulda shoulda,” is a favorite phrase used to express regret over what might have been. So is, “If only…” Thankfully, neither of those phrases are spoken in the play, Al’s Business Cards, a sharp, witty show in production at the Lion Theater Theater Row.

A short, bittersweet show, Al’s Business Cards tells the story of Al, a mild-mannered electrician who orders business cards with the idea that they will further himself professionally (they say “professional gaffing assistant”). The printing shop gives him the wrong cards, which belong to a miss Eileen Lee, and the two meet to swap cards. What ensues is a comedy of errors involving racial stereotypes, a sad story about alcoholism and an insanely jealous ex, all of whom are brought to life in vivid depictions by the extremely talented cast (Lauren Hines plays Eileen, Bobby Moreno plays Al’s friend Barry, and Malcom Madera gives an almost disturbing performance as Daniel, Eileen’s ex, who is also in AA. Gabriel Gutierrez rounds out the cast as private investigator Jose Alvarez).

The cast does such an excellent job with the show that when the curtain falls, the audience is left wanting more. Nothing in the show was actually resolved, and with the many loose ends left waiting to be tied up, this critic felt unsatisfied. With such a strong start, this show and this cast deserved more. Let’s hope they get it.