"Yankee Tavern" by Stephen Dietz, which is presently playing at The Milwaukee Repertory Theater explores the intricacies of conspiracy theories, the complexity of repercussive world events and the cloak of secrecy that often characterizes governmental operations.

The cast is small, consisting of four characters: Adam, a graduate student studying international affairs and the reluctant heir to the Yankee Tavern; his fiancee, Janet, who is beginning to have doubts about her relationship with Adam; Ray, a close friend of Adam's deceased father; and Palmer, the mysterious stranger who frequents the bar, always ordering two beers but leaving one behind.

Everything is in turmoil as the play starts. Adam has been giving false names and addresses to Janet to flesh out their wedding invitation list. Ray thinks weddings are a conspiracy by companies who excessively profit from them. Palmer seems to know a lot about everyone's life but can't figure out his own.

Adam also has some special relationship with one of his former professors, which makes Janet's doubts and suspicions grow. Ray is paranoid about everything and has elaborate theories to prove that the government and the media make a career of lying, and Palmer drifts in and out looking spooky and secretive.

All four characters are well-drawn and fascinating to watch. Who is lying? Who isn't? Whom can one trust, anybody?

If humans are not trustworthy, is any meaningful, long-lasting relationship possible? Should countries trust one another? Are treaties valid? Is it rational to believe anything, even one's own eyes?

Dietz has been a favorite playwright for The Milwaukee Rep and other local theaters over the years. His ideas are thought-provoking as he often includes topical subjects in his writings.

In this presentation, the Kennedy assassination, the walk on the moon and 9/11 are all questioned. He explores their causes and the explanations we have been given for their occurrences.

When Ray says, "We'll probably never fully understand what happened on 9/11," he's probably right. To explain it by saying that somebody hates our country is reducing a complex event to a simplistic interpretation.

We are intrigued throughout the drama and often amused by the clever lines issued by Ray, so impeccably portrayed by Will Zahrn, a newcomer to the Rep.

Brian Vaughn as Adam does his best to stay cool in the midst of growing intrigue. Marti Gobel, in her rendering of Janet, the beleaguered fiancee, is sharp, intense and probing.

Lastly, Palmer, as created by Torrey Hanson, is spellbinding in his silence, as well as his disclosures.

The scenic design by Steve and Susannah Barnes catches one's eye with its sporadic jukebox, its makeshift dartboard and its general seaminess as it awaits the wrecking ball. Guest director Sean Graney did a fine job with the drama.

As you watch this one, decide which is better, to be paranoid or naive, or is there a middle ground.