The audacious and lively play Hand to God is a daring and yet, an oddly compelling and textured meditation, on society’s hypocrisies set within a more intimate framework of five characters whose minds are tortured with clashes between reason and fiery lust -driven passions. This play makes the puppet -driven 2004 musical Avenue Q look like Mary Poppins by comparison; this play is much more acidic and radically subversive in tone.
Director Josh Sticklin creatively portrays the day-to-day texture of the small town of Cypress, Texas where a church’s puppet show predominates. This puppet show is only one level of this show; the human characters are also satirized with cutting -edge parody, doses of disarming sweetness and sober-faced line readings which are delivered – by a superb group of actors who portray the five characters – in order that the ironies and comedy of this unique play can naturally unfold and catch the audience unaware at crucial moments.
Playwright Robert Askins pushes the envelope to excess to actually unspool basic human truths that lie underneath the noise and sensational effects. There is a decided “method to the madness” in this cult (NOT a religious cult intended) play that goes to deliberate extremes to uncover the fight between the characters’ conscience and their passionate drives. The human battles to control inner battles of their internal demons versus their “better angels” (the id versus the superego) is played out via puppetry – as the human’s conflicted inner psyches are soothed or diminished by their puppet appendages.
The puppet design by Luke Hartwood is “jaw-dropping” in its life-like and very animated design. Actor Drew Sharpe’s character of Jason is hysterically funny -and often subtly moving – as he manipulates his “puppet’ named Tyrone (Mr. Sharpe’s control of his puppet is masterful—and his vocal flexibility with two differing voices is faultless). … Shadia Hafiz’ portrayal of Margery is superb as she plays the repressed mother and mentor. Ms. Hafiiz’ Texas twang is delivered with a very charming inflection and flavor. Dominique Gray as Pastor Greg plays his part with natural ease and calm bewilderment. … Jordan Brown as the rebellious student Timmy is especially good at delivering sarcastic retorts with zesty and confident comic timing and he possesses a fine skill at physical comedy. Hannah Taylor as Jessica is very natural and unassuming in her role.
The Keegan Theatre should be commended for producing such a provocative play in these challenging times. Do not miss this subversive, hilarious and enlightening excursion into the maelstrom of the human mind.
