The Artemis Exchange scores well with "Peyote Business Lunch," turning an comic sketch into a compelling and very funny one-act play with some thought-provoking reflections on our society as the conventions of an ancient native culture find something like common ground with modern capitalism.
Jon Frankie (played by Randy Lee Bailey) is an accountant who has been downsized and unable to find a job, lowering his ambitions to the point of interviewing at a casino operated by the Yacqui people of Arizona (though I'm not sure why he considers interviewing for the job an act of desperation). During the interview, Chief Leon Proudfeather (George Alexander) coerces him into drinking tea laced with peyote so that he will better understand the Yacqui people and their business operations. Mayhem ensues.
I liked some of the quirky details and how they are exploited. That the lunch is at an Olive Garden leads into speculation on the meaning of breadsticks, for instance. And how the writings of Adam Smith take on a different hue when seen through the clarifying haze of a peyote experience. And Kate Kershaw cracks me up as the indifferent to the point of hostile waitress.
Remaining performance is 7 p.m. Friday.
Bottom Line: Smart and funny. I like it.
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