I don’t know about you, but my favorite discussion topics are Religion and Politics. However, I was brought up that these were topics to be avoided. Now, The Victory Theatre Center’s resident playwright, Jon Klein, has masterfully jumped right in, creating a family whose varying views on the existence or lack of a divine being are precipitated after the passing of the family matriarch, with Rosie (Josee Gourdine), the family’s adopted daughter, revealing that she has decided to become a nun.
The shock, coupled with sensitivity for Rosie’s feelings, forces the rest of the family to tiptoe, rather than plunging in, to the pros and cons of such a move. Gus (John Idakitis) prides himself in his atheism, while his step-children (Melissa Ortiz as ‘Claire’ and Jon Sprik as Calvin) are agnostic at best.
One of the most mysterious and compelling incidents showing family efforts to resolve their feelings about Rosie’s declaration comes when Claire relates a recent out-of-body experience, finding herself in a bucolic landscape and experiencing a deep feeling of peace. How to explain it? The answer, that comes later in the play, is both sensible and profound.
Director Maria Gobetti has directed her cast with attention to the intricacies of the family dynamics displayed in the play. With her co-producer, Evan Bartoletti (who also designed the set), she calls on the Victory’s designers — lighting by Carol Doehring, costumes by Michael Mullen and Sound by Noah Andrade — to provide a seamless backdrop to Jon Klein’s witty dialog as it swirls around the beliefs that ground us so we can live another day. The ending will surprise you, and it is well worth the wait for the tag line that wraps up the play. Definitely a timely play that you can’t miss!
Faithless continues Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sundays at 4 pm through April 14th at the Victory Theatre Center, 3326 W. Victory Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505. All tickets, $28 with preferred seating available for $38. For reservations, phone (818) 941-5421 or online at www.TheVictoryTheatreBoxOffice@gmail.com.
