At first, you might mistake "Talk" for Theatre X's most straightforward play to date. Afterall, the plot is easy enough to wrap your mind around: A panel of guests lead by a moderator have assembled to discuss the life of a fictional writer named Archer Aymes.

However, the script is multi-layered, exploring issues of race and questioning the process of learning and the existence of real ideas. The good news is, whether you decide to dip deep below the script's surface or simply bob along with the story line, it doesn't matter. In both cases, you'll discover emotional and intellectual treasures.

The play opens with the young conference moderator speaking to the motley crew of panelists (and the audience), about Aymes, an African American man who, in the 1950s, wrote a book, "Mother and Son." Aymes was arrested at a protest, jailed and committed suicide in prison. Years later, his writing was rediscovered and placed in the Canon alongside contemporaries like Kerouac.

The panelists, all named from Platonic dialogues, convened to piece together Archer's life, with each of them bringing different insights and experiences to the table. However, we quickly realize that the characters have hidden agendas to promote their own ideas and egos rather than to really figure out Archer's essence.

The acting in this play is spectacular. John Schneider seems born to play the role of Meno, an aged talk show host. In ridiculously thick pancake makeup and a corny bow tie, Schneider captures the look perfectly. Plus, his petite stature and marionette-like movements make Meno seem even more like a blathering, flailing-armed puppet. The only questionable aspect of his character is his voice, which seems a little high pitched and not "television" enough for the character.

Flora Coker is also stellar as Phaedo, an actress and filmmaker who appeared in the avant garde film made from Archer's book. Coker further proves her talents when her character has a break down and gets drunk on wine -- both are very believable moments.

Strange as it may sound, there are numerous similarities between Theater X's "Talk" and John Hughes' 1987 movie, "The Breakfast Club." In "Breakfast Club," we have a punk, a priss, a freak, a jock and a nerd, and the characters in "Talk" include a critic, a pompous diva, a talking head, a jazz man and an uninvited guest.

Plus, both groups are more or less thrown together, coming from very different walks of life, with the purpose of learning something, yet few of them actually learn. In the end, it seems only the Moderator is able to really listen to the others and figure out that the more you know the more confused you become, similar to Anthony Michael Hall's character in "The Breakfast Club" who writes the poignant letter at the end of the movie recognizing some of the very same things.

Azeeza Islam, Timothy Tamisiea, Tom Reed and Rodd Walker also star in this intriguing play directed by David Ravel and written by Carl Hancock Rux. The New York Times named Rux as one of the 10 outstanding individuals under 30 who will become a major influence in the 21^st century.

"Talk" runs through February 2 at the Broadway Theatre Center, 158 N. Broadway. For tickets, call the Broadway Theatre Center Box Office at (414) 291-7800.