Speaking Truth Through Comedy
Oof! When I first saw 11 years ago that Jim Parsons was starring in a show called “An Act of God,” I was excited! Although I never had the opportunity to see the production, I followed along. In Mexico, it was done a couple of years later, starting Horacio Villalobos. I couldn’t see that one either, lol. So, imagine my excitement, dear reader, when I saw that San Diego was doing its own production and, with a woman as God. Yay!. Curious fact, the different runs in New York had only male actors while regional theatres have cast the role with women, mmmmh…
Written by David Javerbaum, who had a Twitter (now X) account as God, the play features God (Sam Ginn) in a talk-show/Family Feud game-show setting, courtesy of David Kievit, who incorporated the game show screen and signature sound effects added by Ted Leib, making the frame noticeable and familiar.
God is accompanied by the archangels Michael (Devyn Wade) and Gabriel (AJ Knox). There is a redesign happening in heaven, and God is here to answer questions and explain the revamped Ten Commandments.
The 100-minute, no intermission piece goes by at a fast, fun pace. I appreciated the combination of the original script, the declaration of their fandom for The Big Bang Theory/jingle included (for obvious reasons), the added local intro mentioning Sam is a Craig Noel Award winner, and the interaction with the audience. This last one is even more fun because each performance will be different depending on the vibe and audience reactions, as Sam uses it as a comedic sprinkle. I do not think I have seen a show that I have not liked with Ginn, as she brings the spark and oomph in the performance.
The three actors work well together, and the rhythm marked by Phil Johnson’s direction is fitting and organic. Both archangels give the feeling and care that God is lacking. Devyn Wade as Michael delivered a faithful, sort of resigned employee, with a touch of comedy. AJ Knox as Gabriel…I mean, Gabriel is always getting in trouble in all biblical iterations, be it movies, plays, podcasts…Knox’s Gabriel is not drinking the heaven kool-aid and is rightfully questioning it all. They imbued the role with tenderness. Michael gave me city employee vibes, while Gabriel’s vibes were “more like us” for the people. Having a good balance amongst the three characters and a good middle point between God being so extra.
Dawn Fuller-Korinek’s costumes, with Sam in an all-white suit and the angels looking like Roman soldiers with wings, made for a fun touch. Luke Harvey Jacobs’s choreography shone through with precision and spunk as all three delivered in unison with no missteps. It almost seemed like one of those treks when touching your stomach and head in a circular motion at the same time because they danced, delivered lines, and interacted with the audience in singular motion with grace and great beat.
I have to include this because I almost fell out of my seat in laughter. The performance had about 18 minutes to go. Sam is the only actor onstage, sitting down, talking to the audience. All of a sudden, one of the theatre doors opens. I thought it would be the angels. There is a pause, and we all turn at the same time, house right, stage left, and see a lady in a walker with another lady coming into the theatre, to which Sam asked something like “don’t they know that the show?…anyways”… Dear reader, I cannot begin to tell you the cackle in that space.
Roustabouts, in partnership with Scripps Ranch Theatre, delivered a well-produced, solid show, with good delivery and rhythm. A fun one for sure.
It is their last week of performances, so go catch it and support. Friday, Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
They have merch too!
The Stage Manager is Jessamyn Foster.
