Connie (Gabrielle McCauley) meets Tristan (Anthony T. Goss) at an institution where they are participating in a four-week clinical trial for the anti-depressant, dopamine.

Dr. James (Jeanine Kane) is the study administrator who is supervised by Dr. Sealey (Stephen Thorne).

The two young people slowly get to know each other and fall in love.

Is their attraction real or the result of the drug? Is it chemistry or “chemistry”?

That is basically the story, which also includes a sub-plot about an affair that the two psychiatrists had years ago.

The underlying concern over ethics raises its head as the two participants become closer, while the doctors argue over the process.

While the subject is a serious one, especially as we read about the drug problems of our young people today, playwright Lucy Prebble inserts some humor in the relationship between Connie and Tristan.

The bitter-sweet ending leaves audiences sitting back and pondering over the issues raised about fooling with mother nature, placebos, medical ethics and the nature of sexual attraction.

While “The Effect” may not blow you away, it will raise your awareness and make you feel for all four characters, thanks to the tight direction by Steve Kidd who makes good use of the baren space and movement and positioning of the characters.

A shout-out to lighting designer Jeff Adelberg whose clever positioning adds to the drama.

Once again it is the choice of actors that makes a Gamm production so professional and inviting.

McCauley and Goss develop their young, innocent, playful characters to the fullest, while veterans Kane and Thorne make you believe that they are flawed people who hold their patients’ lives in their hands.

Gamm again gives us what we have come to expect — great acting and direction.

“The Effect” is at Gamm on 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick through Oct. 15. For tickets, visit www.gammtheatre.org/effect or call 723-4266.