“Mass Appeal”

Highly Recommended **** Oil Lamp Theater, that quaint little store-front in Glenview, is one of those theaters where audiences feel like family, rather than customers. Part of this feeling is the atmosphere that Keith Gerth, founder and Artistic Director has instilled upon all of those involved with this venue:

Step One- a warm welcome to every audience member

Step two- freshly baked cookies ( on opening brownies, as well)

step three- Nuts and M & M’s

step four- BYOB or if you prefer a soft drink, we will handle

step five- a solid play performed by talented actors

Over my years of attending this delightful venue, I have found that these criteria are all met. The current production, “Mass Appeal” written by Bill C. Davis, is sort of a religious play, as it does deal with a Priest and a want-to-be priest, but despite having religious roots, the play itself is more about the people than the religion. This is a two actor play, smoothly directed by Gerth with two actors who truly “get” what the playwright is going for.

The play, two acts, roughly two hours with a 10 minute intermission, a total of 11 scenes, takes place at St. Francis Church. Father Tim Farley ( a superb character study by Tim Kough) is the priest of this church who is loved by his congregation and very respected by the church. As he leads a morning mass, where he opts to include the congregation, a young congregant takes part in an open discussion. We find out that this young person,  Mark Dolson ( deftly handed by RJ Cecott) is a student at the seminary and is in hopes of one day becoming a priest.

During the scenes to follow, we learn a great deal about Mark and his relationship with his superior, who are also the superior to Father  Farley. While Father Farley has some problems with the authority that governs his church, he feels that he can be a great aide to helping his young protégé towards the goals he desires to reach. When Mark does his first sermon, it is difficult for the powers to be to handle, causing some fear of loss of his job and future. Father Farley tries very hard to help Mark through the self-inflicted crisis and to make it into the next part of his journey to the priesthood.

Both of these men of God, at one time during this production, question their own lives, beliefs and spirits. They also look at their values and examine if the powers above them have the right to change their ideas and feelings, based on their own, instead of what might be in the best interest of the men themselves. I was very impressed with the performances of both of these actors. Kough handles comedy with just the right touch and the very good looking Cecott managed to take the breath away of many of the female audience members with his good looks and strong personality.

A two actor play can be rough for a director if the actors are not 100% into their roles and the direction given them. These actors shine and  Gerth knows his stage better than anyone else, making his direction as smooth as silk, despite the intimacy of the stage area and the depth of the physical stage. By the way, Gerth does the initial welcomes and instructions, warming up the audience and preparing them for a splendid theatrical experience. The set is designed to allow for the church and the offices of the Father. The lighting (David Miller) is well done and the stage manager (Bronte DeShong makes sure that all of the little details are taken care of. The program does not show who did the sound(music) or props and costumes, so I will assume that Gerth and DeShong handled these tasks.

“Mass Appeal” will continue at Oil Lamp Theater located at  1723 Glenview Road ( just west of Waukegan Road/Route 43) thru April 7th with performances as follows:

Price: $35 and up

Show Type: Comedy

Box Office: 847-834-0738

www.oillamptheater.org/calendar/mass-appeal/

FREE PARKING in the lot next door and on the street. There are a number of dining spots in the area

BYOB- they will uncork and pour, as well as store for intermission ( included with ticket purchase). Soft drinks, water, M & M’s , assorted nuts and cookies are awaiting your pleasure ( again, included with ticket)

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Mass Appeal”.

Remember, this is a tiny space, with 8 rows of 6 chairs, so do not wait!