‘What It Takes’

Frank Conn’s quartet of one-acts at the Richard Basehart Theatre, “What It Takes,” examines the path to showbiz success. It’s not the freshest of subjects, but it is near and dear to the hearts of a lot of Los Angelenos. The attitudes in “What It Takes” range from blistering cynicism to sweet sentimentality, and it also offers some sharp-edged performances and a few good laughs.

Most of the laughs are in the first half. At “The Audition,” a young hopeful (Eamonn Roche) spills out his guts on the subject of his stingy father, only to learn from the unseen director that the role in question isn’t remotely related to anything the actor just said. Next up is “Seeking Representation,” a biting confrontation between a greasy agent (Conn, in a scathing performance) and a young actress (Kathleen McMartin).

After intermission, “The Rehearsal” is a clever little stunt, and “Not at All, My Boy” is an extended series of scenes between a stuffy old acting coach (Jack Frankel) and his bumptious new student (Brogan Roche). This last piece is the sentimental one; it’s trite and overdrawn, but Frankel’s performance is especially solid.

At 21028-B Victory Blvd., Woodland Hills, Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m., with a performance tonight at 8 p.m., and a Sunday evening performance this week at 7 p.m., indefinitely. Tickets: $10; (818) 704-1845.