Take a thin strip of paper. Twist it in half and join the ends of the strip with tape. The mathematical phenomenon just created is known as a “Möbius Strip.” A surface with one side and only one boundary, the Möbius Strip is just as much a conundrum as it is a wonder. It also happens to be a focus of the Kitchen Theatre’s recent production “Archaeology.” Directed by Margaret Perry and written by Rachel Axler, a former writer for “The Daily Show,” “Archaeology” tells the story of four 20-somethings whose lives become entwined after a series of unexpected earthquakes.

From 2005 to 2007, Axler was behind the scenes of “The Daily Show,” contributing to the sidesplitting laughter that host Jon Stewart’s news commentary invokes. But perhaps it is only through the collaboration of many writers that the show’s humor comes to fruition, because watching “Archaeology” will leave many wanting more out of Axler’s sort-of-funny script, which includes an in-depth explanation of a Möbius Strip.

The story begins when roommates Claire (Kristin Wheeler) and Astin (Jake Paque) find themselves in a tumultuous situation after ground-shaking tremors set their house on a 15-degree angle. Two disaster relief volunteers/garage band musicians John, also known as “H” (Ithaca College sophomore Charlie Forray), and Jon (junior Ace Heckathorn) intervene and end up altering the course of everyone’s lives.

Heckathorn’s character, Jon, has some amusing moments as he plays up the surfer-dude persona of his character. Neurotic Astin also has lines worthy of a few chuckles, but overall “Archaeology” seems like an unfinished mash-up of comedy sketches sprinkled with wannabe-profound circumstances. The idea of time travel, fate and trivial love are all topics that seem out of place in the play. What could have been an insightful examination of how people come together and how love can develop out of a crisis turns into Axler’s attempt at writing a powerhouse of wit.

The youthful atmosphere the cast of “Archaeology” brings to the Kitchen Theatre is a breath of fresh air. But this play gives the young yet well-seasoned performers material that does not match their high level of skill. Kudos to the four for pouring their talent into the characters they are given, but “Archaeology” is a comedy that leaves everyone digging for a point to the play, to no avail.

Pieces of the plot that were more interesting and relevant, such as Claire’s secret love for Astin, are not given enough time to properly develop in the eyes of the audience. The last few minutes of the play are chock-full of sudden resolutions that, instead of making the audience feel for the characters, lend themselves to confused brow-raising and a sense of incompleteness.

The most effective aspect of the production, however, is the use of sound, designed by sophomore Ben Truppin-Brown. Just as sitcoms and other television shows are accompanied by musical interludes between scenes, “Archaeology” is full of toe-tapping scene-change music that keeps the energy of the play moving while characters are in no-dialogue-montage-mode on stage. The perfectly timed entrances and exits that go along with the music make some parts of “Archaeology” a borderline farce — except that the characters are usually clamoring in and out of a single door as opposed to multiple entrances akin to farces.

The door, along with the rest of the set, is another great accomplishment. Designed by Norm Johnson, associate professor of theater arts at the college, the topsy-turvy world provides an engaging backdrop for the action. The lighting effects, designed by Jerry Thamm, mesh wonderfully with the skewed world created by Johnson. The ominous hues of blue and purple bring Axler’s distorted script to life.

While the technical aspects of “Archaeology” shine through, the play itself is in need of some intense fine-tuning. Axler’s play has a strong premise, but what it needs is a more defined plot as a backbone to keep its lack of direction from driving the play deep underground.

“Archaeology” runs through May 10. Tickets can be purchased at the Kitchen Theatre.