We deserve a sharper satire from ‘The Most Deserving’

Culture wars in the heartland are a big neon target, but “The Most Deserving” isn’t sure where to aim, or how. So playwright Catherine Trieschmann covers all the bases: slapstick, satire and barbs at yokels, uptight arty types and ambitious academics. Everybody gets it, to the detriment of focus and bite.

In the show, the arts council in a small Kansas town must give a grant to “an underrepresented American voice” in financial need. Of course, that voice belonging to an oppressed minority would be a big asset.

The decision divides the five council members, who lobby for their pet candidates and form fluctuating alliances.

The main factions pit art gallery owner Jolene (Veanne Cox) against Liz (Jennifer Lim), an art teacher pushing for “outsider” maven Everett (Ray Anthony Thomas) — who hits the politically correct trifecta, being black, disabled and probably nuts. Even better: His work is made out of trash.

“Isn’t great art supposed to provoke?” the patronizing Liz asks.

“Not in Kansas,” Jolene answers tartly — but then she says everything tartly, especially when addressing doofus husband Ted (Daniel Pearce).

Their marriage is on the rocks, as evidenced by a cartoonish seduction scene in which Ted tells Jolene, “You’re very fit for a woman your age.”

To Trieschmann’s credit, her satire of Midwestern mores is affectionate rather than snotty — a Kansas resident herself, she knows the local temperament.

The downside is that the play’s humor feels overly gentle. Just because a target is obvious doesn’t mean you should hold your fire.