LAST CHANCE

Brooklyn Boy: Donald Margulies ventures into familiar territory in this production at South Coast Repertory. His remarkable gift of building characterization through realistic dialogue is undiminished. But his new play, satisfying on most levels, lacks the sense of revelation that we’ve come to expect from his work. “Brooklyn Boy” is about the life of a writer who has unresolved issues with his father. Margulies’ writer, Eric Weiss, is played by Adam Arkin, who is terrific at remaining likable as well as gloomy. Adam Miller portrays Weiss’ dying father and Arye Gross a boyhood friend.

Ends Sunday at South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. (714) 708-5555.