No Exit

A journalist, a postal worker and a socialite walk into a room. And never leave. What sounds like the opening line of a joke is actually the plotline to Jean-Paul Sartre's classic existential play—an examination of life, afterlife, self-projections, self-recollections, and possible self-redemptions. This is a wonderfully in-sync and talented cast, under the impressive and adept direction of Benjamin T. Ismail. All four actors capture the complexity of their characters, as well the taut tension that prevails between them. Th, F, Sa 8pm; Through 7/25. $10-$20. Big Idea Theatre, 1616 Del Paso Blvd.; (916) 960-3036; www.bigideatheatre.org. P.R.