Dustin Engstrom’s newest work is a sci-fi romance. As most Seattleites know, the center of the universe lies in Fremont, a neighborhood Michael (Dylan Sladky) generally avoids out of disdain for anywhere that isn’t Capitol Hill. Michael is a homo-hipster with a strongly cultivated cynical outlook that may one day turn into a sense of humor. His best friend is Beth (Jesica Avellone), a lesbian who finds the term “lesbian” debasing. They’re bonded together by a shared narcissism and by the fact that their romantic partners have recently disappeared. The search for love leads them on an adventure through time and space—though mostly they end up in Greenwich, England. The play’s mystery elements are stronger than its comic ones, and certain moments lend themselves more to the screen than the stage. But on the whole, Engstrom’s script is admirably structured. The production falters under some bizarre decisions by director Laurel Pilar Garcia: Actors are often blocking other actors, or their faces are covered by set pieces. Background music distracts from the dialogue. And what should be a rousing adventure too often looks like a group of actors sitting around chatting. BRENT ARONOWITZ

Thursdays-Saturdays, 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 4 p.m. Starts: April 24. Continues through May 23, 2009