Byline: JOE ADCOCKP-I theater critic

On a scale of 1 to 10: concept, 8; execution, 4.

"Fathers and Sons," a new play by Michael Bradford, is receiving its premiere production at ACT Theatre. The play's concept and characters are intriguing. Bradford's writing and his approach to storytelling, however, are irritatingly convoluted.

Benard is the grandfather. Leon is the father. Marcus is the son. Benard, a jazz trumpeter, is a ghost. He haunts Leon with wiseguy taunts and piercing trumpet riffs. Leon haunts Marcus - in person. He makes a surprise visit. Leon is sarcastic and rejecting.

Leon reviles Benard for being a bad father and husband. Marcus reviles ...