We didn't manage to catch SF Playhouse's production of R.O.I. (Return on Investment) at the Creativity Theater until close to the end. Sorry to say (but happy for the Playhouse) the show is sold out for the rest of the run. But you will hear of this one again.
This is a breakout role for Lauren English. She's tough and she's sharp and she's also manipulative and out of her mind, but we don't see what's happening for awhile. She plays Willa, a scientist who has (we all believe) come up with a cure for cancer. She has come to May Lee (Sharon Shao), an employee at the Montrose Fund, headed up by Paul Montrose (Anthony Fusco) with her idea, and Paul and May Lee immediately spot her as a unicorn, someone with a billion dollar idea. The race is on to grab investors for her and cash in.
If you think this is a feel-good story about creating something wonderful for humanity, think again. Greed, as always, is an equal partner.
We weren't nuts about Anthony Fusco's reading of Paul. He seemed too childish for us to believe he was a great player in the world of finance. Sharon Shao, who plays May Lee, on the other hand, was perfect for her role as someone who believes in Paul until...well, that's what the play is about.
Politics, corruption, noble ideas turning into cash cows. Yup. Nothing new here.
RATINGS ★★★ BANG
The San Francisco Theater Blog Hi-Tech Award Division grants Three Stars with a Bangle of Praise to Aaron Loeb's "R.O.I. (Return on Investment)." Keep this one in your rolodex and catch it next time.
R.O.I. (Return on Investment)
Creativity Theater
Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco
Through Sept. 5 ONLY
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