Like “Thrill Me,” “Dickie & Babe” also tells the true story of two teenage boys of privileged backgrounds whose “hyper-intellects” bring them together. Nick Niven portrays Dickie with exhausting energy and Babe, played by Aaron Himelstein, is so convincing you feel ardent compassion for the boy.

The entire ensemble, which includes six brilliantly chosen actors, carries 35 different roles flawlessly. The stage is small and intimate, and as an audience member you feel like part of the jury. The perceptive director could not leave his audience with a more haunting feeling than showing actual photos of the trial at the end of the performance.

2nd Stage Theatre is located at 6500 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.theblank.com.