“Cocaine” is actually adapted from a 19th century one-act by John Pendleton King, but actors Joann Oudekerk and Richard “Doc” Woods bring fresh, visceral desperation to their impoverished characters Nora and Joe. In a little over 30 minutes, the pair grapples with issues including the pain of being evicted from a home, the difficulty of defining their relationship, and simply trying to live to see the next day — and the next joint. The palpable suspense makes this a treat. (5:30 p.m. Mon., 10 p.m. Tue., 8:30 p.m. Fri., 10 p.m. Sat., Ritz Theater Studio, 345 13th Av. NE., Mpls.)

CRYSTAL DUAN