Thanks for the offer, but we'll have to pass

Though the title of "Anyone for a Classy Threesome?" makes the showcase seem like it wants to attract a certain type of clientele, it's really just three short plays very loosely based on classic literature. It's also a triumvirate of sorts, with three men — P. Case Aiken III, Adam Samtur and Matthew Kagen — each taking turns writing one piece and directing another.

The first play, entitled "Spinner Spirits Presents Showpiece Theater Starring Rex McDeevit," is a radio play version of "Othello." The piece follows an old-time radio station putting on a radio play starring Rex McDeevit (Greg Engbrecht). Conflict erupts when Alan Spinner (Dan Belmont), the head sponsor of the program, arrives and realizes that the hero of the story, played by Rex, is "a black." This over-simplification of 1950s attitudes is prevalent elsewhere in the piece, notably in the exaggerated way all the characters smoke their cigarettes, taking a moment after each puff to stare at them. At several points in the play, the women in the production try to say something and are quickly shushed by the men. It's "Mad Men" without subtlety, depth or respect for the period.

The second play is "1,001 Peorian Nights," based on "The Arabian Nights." It follows highschooler Shawn (Steve White) as he tries to bed his newest conquest, Shari (Sivan Hadari). When it is revealed that Shawn's best friend, Jeff (Michael Wetherbee), has plans of his own with Shari, the piece evolves into a fight for her heart. When Shawn realizes that Jeff was the one spreading rumors about his reputation, he also realizes that his reputation has been enslaving him. He has been, essentially, a tool. The play is modest, but effective at highlighting the drastic change in its protagonist.

The third and final play, "Song Five, Circle Two," is an experimental spin-off of Dante's "Inferno." The play begins and ends on the same scene, and in that sense it contains a dramatic arc that is somewhat cathartic. Too bad the content in between the beginning and ending is quite muddled. Donna (Leilani Drakeford) lives in an oppressive society ruled by Bub (Travis Stroessenreuther). We know it's an oppressive society because a bunch of slaves move stuff around. After a passionate monologue about her own lust, Donna watches Bub beat Lowe (Christopher Williams) and Ska (Ginger Kearns), two lovers who cannot think past their own sexuality. Also in the mix is a woman named Virg (Katia Hoerning), who touches herself and shakes violently at one point while shouting "Ecstasy!" in a shrill voice. That about sums up the message of the story — or the complete lack thereof.

"Anyone for a Classy Threesome?" runs Monday, Feb. 8 and Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 8 p.m. at the Kraine Theater (85 E. Fourth St.). Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at SmartTix.com, or by telephone at 212.868.4444.