You can put away your catechisms and theological treatises, for Samuel D. Hunter’s heartfelt and touching play is more about what lies beneath the surface than a religious argument for the existence of God. The play concerns two men who meet on a playground. That’s right. Their kids bring them together, despite their very different life paths. While their daughters play, the men discover they can help each other. With them, we begin the journey that takes them through the trials of love and separation, as well as financial hopes raised and dashed. The through-line to it all lies in the deepening connection that the two men experience.
It has been noted that our culture is not conducive to male bonding, so Hunter’s dramatization is all the more welcome. Once again, Rogue Machine brings together writer with two accomplished actors to take us on the journey. Carlo Mancasola plays Ryan, in the first stages of divorce, who only has his daughter at prescribed times, whereas Nicholas Anthony Reid plays Keith, a gay man, learning how to be a dad through the antics of his foster daughter. Director John Perrin Flynn, having directed a number of Hunter’s plays, brings out the emotional depths of each character.
The production must make the most out of the attic/stage. Set to one side, and against the backdrop of a fully functional office setting (designed by Stephanie Kerley Schwartz), the action unfolds to include Keith’s home and the playground as well. Luckily, the other technical aspects, especially Ric Zimmerman’s lighting, works to overcome the awkward spacing. This intensely felt play is marred only by its conclusion, hampered by double casting. It might serve to reconsider using other members of this talented group. But forgiveness, as they say, is next to godliness. Therefore, I will make the case…
Rogue Machine presents A Case for the Existence of God on Fridays and Mondays at 8pm; and Saturdays and Sundays at 5 pm through October 11, 2026, upstairs at the Henry Murray Stage, Matrix theatre,7657 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, Ca 90046. All tickets, $45.00; Seniors, $35, available online at https://www.roguemachinetheatre.org. For more information, phone 855-585-5185.
