Comical in some places, grimly realistic in others, Manoa Valley Theatre’s production of David Mamet’s 1988 drama, "Speed-the-Plow," is gripping and engaging adult entertainment.

The show contains no nudity or explicit sexual situations, but this is a Mamet play. Adults and teens who can handle the profane vocabulary will enjoy the twists and turns in the story, along with the performances of three talented actors.

Bobby Gould (Tim Jeffryes) is the recently promoted head of production at a major Hollywood studio. Charlie Fox (Nicholas B. Gianforti), a longtime colleague and underling, comes into his office with big news: A major star who usually works with another studio wants to make a film with him. The film is a generic action flick and therefore certain to be a hit.

Fox points out — and Gould agrees — that he could take the deal anywhere and be the producer of a blockbuster, but out of loyality to Gould has brought it to him.

Gould agrees they should take it to the head of the studio and promises Fox he will get a co-producer’s credit "above the title." The head of the studio is out for the day, so the big meeting is scheduled for the next morning.

They’re about to leave for a celebratory lunch when Gould mentions a book he has agreed to give a "courtesy read" as a favor to someone — even though he has already decided the book cannot be made into a viable film.

The conversation turns to the temp (Julie Levanne) who is subbing for Gould’s secretary. Gould writes her off as neither "dumb" nor "ambitious." Fox bets his boss $500 that Gould would not be able to seduce her.

Gould asks the temp to read the book and stop by his place that evening to give him her impression of it.

Jeffryes and Gianforti are spot-on as coked-out film executives of the ’80s. No drug use is seen or mentioned, but their rapid-fire conversations — choppy even for a Mamet play — have the edgy pacing of minds on coke. Gianforti plays Fox as an especially jittery bundle of energy even allowing that the man is moments away from the career deal of a lifetime.

Jeffryes caps a commanding performance with his work in two scenes where Gould finds himself being outmaneuvered.

Levanne makes a memorable debut on the local stage with her portrayal of a woman whose lack of familiarity with the film industry is the key to Fox’s future.