The worlds of three unhappy souls tragically collide in Ron Fitzgerald's Safe, a trio of interconnecting monologues filled with pungent lyricism.

Under normal circumstances, Muzzy (Alfredo Narciso), Van (Patch Darragh), and Ginger (Jess Weixler) might never meet. She's an attendant at a laundromat in West Virginia, and Muzzy hails from the Midwest but eventually winds up in Texas after an altercation with his parents sends him packing. It's Van, a rambling hustler, who brings them all together, first sweeping Ginger off her feet and into his grifter's world after wandering into the place where she works. The mentally challenged Muzzy joins these two after a hustle goes bad at the pool hall that he manages. Together the three set off through the plains states and far Midwest on a spree of petty crimes that quickly escalate to violent ones.

Much of this trio's story will be familiar. Fitzgerald's characters come from abusive families and were all essentially written off by their parents early on. Additionally, there's nothing terribly new about the crimes they commit - small-time stuff that makes sure they have enough to eat and a place to stay. What sets Safe apart is Fitzgerald's language, a sort of simple rural or lower-class patois that's filled with surprisingly elegant imagery.

Under director Zetna Fuentes' guidance, the actors deliver performances filled with nuance and keen detail. It's fascinating to watch as Narciso idly fumbles with his ring finger as if he's reminded of a childhood prank. Darragh's shrewd performance allows us to glimpse Van's innate sensitivity and intelligence. Weixler's work is a model of menace and easygoing sensuality.

Fitzgerald's title may refer to a state of being for which these characters are searching or to the strongboxes they eventually take to stealing. Regardless, one feels in safe hands with Safe.