Slice-of-life drama makes a worthy point about loneliness and connection, but your mind may wander

Down-and-outers find a connection and a kindred spirit in the small-scale drama Lost Lake. Written by David Auburn and directed by Daniel Sullivan — the duo behind the award-winning Proof — the play stars John Hawkes (Winter’s Bone) and Tracie Thoms (Rent). In the poster, the actors sit side by side. Over their heads, it reads: “She’s trying to get away. He’s trying to get by.” And audiences will be trying to stay alert. Yes, this contemporary slice of life is intimate and well-acted. But it’s so sincere and extremely low-key that it’s sometimes hard to stay focused. Veronica (Thoms, assured) is a mom on the edge. She’s got two young kids and a nursing job in New York City. Hogan (Hawkes, at his charismatic best) is the caretaker of the lakeside cabin Veronica rents for a week. The cottage is as ramshackle as Hogan, who’s got big plans to spruce it up.