If you are interested in a play about the battle between spiritual faith and corporate greed run don’t walk to the 68 Cent Crew Theatre Company’s production of John Patrick Shanley’s West Coast premiere of “Storefront Church” at the NoHo Arts Center in the NoHo Arts District running through Dec. 21.
This confrontation between moral force and political power is the final installment of the trilogy, “Church and State,” which began with “Doubt.”
Seen through the eyes of six citizens of the Bronx, the story concerns a woman who lends her tenant, a pastor, $30,000 to help him build a storefront church.
This biting indictment of the political and corporate landscape is written with shimmering possibility and finality and given the sort of production to bring that duality home.
There is not one false moment here. The actors are natural, genuine and committed to the message of the playwright.
The language flows like a crimson waterfall and moves like a two hour conversation with your older brother.
Shanley’s words are unforgettable, mature and ripe for the speaking.
They ricochet off the walls of this small theater like bullets, and stay rooted in the wooden floor of the stage like a forest of Redwoods.
Ronnie Marmo’s direction is crisp and true. It adds to the story and underscores the relationships. Yet Marmo’s greatest contribution to the production is an honest ear which gives this play an unerring rhythm, grasp and feel.
Marmo directs a powerful cast that proves that casting is as important to a play as just about anything else. Each actor encompasses his or her character with accuracy, humor and intelligence.
Charles Hoyes (Tom Raiderberg) is convincing and authentic.
Alan Ehrlich (Ethan Goldklang) weaves magic with soul and heart that will long be remembered.
Johnnett Kent (Jessie Cortez) is a revelation in dialogue and song whose sensitivity shines through in her every scene.
Steven Stanton (Chester Kimmich) has a presence and passion perfect for his part. Stanton also brings a longing and a doubt to the role that give it another dimension.
Aris Alvarado (Donaldo Calderon) gives a powerful yet personal performance that stirs the pot from beginning to end, but never lets it go empty or overflow.
Alvarado’s layered portayal is one of strength, grace and will that drives the undercurrent here to a more significant and meaningful end.
Ed Dyer (Reed Van Druyten) runs away with the show in a wonderfully-nuanced and brilliantly acted portrait of a man in such pain that he is willing to do almost anything to get rid of it. This is a performance of such courage and depth that it took this critic’s breath away.
With aplomb, character and dignity, Dyer creates a character on the fringe of sanity, yet with a conscience true enough for ten storefront churches. This is one of the best theatrical performances this critic has seen this year. One hopes to see Dyer again soon on the stages of North Hollywood or Los Angeles.
Aiding in getting the message across are Danny Cistone’s imaginative set design and Matt Richter’s thoughtful lighting design.
All in all, “Storefront Church” is a magnificent journey through the hearts and minds of six people who make us feel deeper, see further and think longer. We see here clearly that regardless of the mud and fog we are already where we want to be.
The workings of this world and the next are upon us. Anyone afraid of compromising their ideals should be dragged to see this new play at least once.
Fridays and Saturdays at 8pmSundays at 7pmTICKETS: $25 at the door $20 Advanced purchase RESERVATIONS: (323) 960-5068NoHo Arts Center11136 Magnolia Blvd.North Hollywood, CA 91601
