“How They Attack Us” is a new play written by local playwright, Kevin McKeon, that explores the question of paranoia in modern American society. It tells the story of “Lacey” (played by Meg McLynn), who breaks into her step-father’s home when convinced that strange things are happening to people she knows and that she is being followed by special agents.

Her step-father, Roy, (played by the playwright himself, Kevin McKeon), eventually gets wrapped up in Lacey’s paranoia too, and the only voice of reason and sanity is that of Roy’s neighbor “Blaine,” played by Robert Kriley.

In terms of production qualities, “How They Attack Us” offers a standard living room drama with a functional set, light and sound design. The acting is generally good, although McLynn’s character sometimes becomes a bit tiresome simply because she stays on the same heightened level the entire time. 

But the acting is not the problem here; it’s the play itself. The premise, in and of itself, is just not that engaging. First of all, it is hard to believe that the character of “Roy” would take “Lacey’s” story seriously. And then there are just those lapses in dialogue with inane topics of conversation; for example, it made no sense to me that Roy was concerned about his step-daughter who had just ran out of the house in a frenzy, but rather than chasing after her immediately, which he intended to do, he instead engages in a 15 minute conversation with his neighbor, “Blaine” about science fiction movies.  It just did not make sense.

And the ending of the play is quite weak as well. Apparently, the audience is supposed to find it funny that Lacey’s paranoia is not based on anything real, but that she has, in fact, been suffering from a psychotic delusion. Weird!

“How They Attack Us” is now playing at New City Theatre on Capitol Hill through December 15.