POWERFUL DRAMA “AGNES OF GOD” A TRIUMPHANT MUST SEE AT THE ANNENBERG THEATRE IN PALM SPRINGS

Laura Julian, Britt Adams and Marcia Waterbury in
Agnes of God - All photos by David A. Lee

Whoever says one has to go to New York or LA to see great theatre obviously hasn’t seen, but should see, the current Coyote StageWorks production of “Agnes of God” now on stage at the Annenberg Theatre in Palm Springs.

The serious, thought-provoking play written by John Pielmeier examines not only the core issue of how religion interacts with science and psychology in particular, it also becomes a theatrical triumph in the hands of its gifted director Don Amendolia. Thanks to a brilliant cast of three female actors who plumb the depths of their highly complex characters in a glittering display of insight, faith, doubt, love, and humanity, “Agnes of God” is a must-see production.

Pielmeier says he’s always been fascinated by crises of faith and youth- related subjects for his plays and his writing projects.In 1982, he hit the jackpot with “Agnes of God”, propelling him into the front ranks of American playwrights.

Set in a convent, the story explores the incidents surrounding a young novice (a mesmerizing Britt Adams) who has been accused of murdering her newborn. A court-appointed psychiatrist, Dr. Martha Livingston, (Marsha Waterbury) is charged with assessing the sanity of the young novice. Mother Miriam Ruth (Laura Julian), the Mother Superior of the order, is determined to keep young Agnes from the doctor, arousing Livingston’s suspicions further as to what actually took place that fateful night. Who killed the infant and who fathered the tiny victim are hard questions that Livingston is determined to raise and get answers to for her medical fitness report.

Marcia Waterbury in
"Agnes of God"

Through a series of highly charged, penetrating, and revealing interviews with Agnes, Livingston’s analysis remains inconclusive. None the less, these sessions ultimately force all three women to re-examine the meaning of faith and the redemptive power of love that leads the audience to a dramatic compelling climax. No more spoiler alerts. One must come and experience the play for oneself. It’s a riveting experience, I guarantee it.

Faith-based plays can be daunting for audiences in that they run the risk of feeling threatened by the on-stage authenticity of the performers. The role of theatre is to hold up mirrors to those of us who make up humanity and then let each draw his or her own conclusions as to whether we are players or observers, or both. No one ever said life on this planet is easy and everyone deserves a free ride; that isn’t the way it works.

The beauty and the power of this stellar production comes from the inspired performances of its three-woman cast. Each performance radiates a glow like a multi-faceted precious gem. It’s not often one gets to root for all three characters in the same production. In this production, each actor is allowed to create their own special magic under the watchful eye and seamless direction of director Amendolia.

Laura Julian, Britt Adams in
"Agnes of God"

When ensemble casts like this one click, the results are sublime. A special note concerning the performance of actor Laura Julian is worth mentioning in this review. Ms. Julian stepped into the role of Mother Miriam Ruth with only a few days of rehearsal after a medical condition forced actor Valorie Armstrong to withdraw.

The technical and the creative team led by director Amendolia create a minimal, space-stage performing area designed by Josh Claybaugh consisting a couple of chairs surrounded by gossamer curtains, and lengthy sheer vertical banners lending a dream-like quality to the stage that is bathed in Moira Wilkie’s clever lighting design that splashes blue, white, and rose shafts of light in dramatic fashion.

Also spot-on are the costumes of designer Bonnie Nipar for the nuns, right down to their traditional black ‘louis heel’ shoes. And Mother Miriam Ruth’s rimless glasses are a touch of genius, the icing on the cake for all those who had to endure those penetrating stares from behind those glasses years ago. It’s always the little details that separate a good production from a great production.

And making sure everyone is ready and keeping the entire production running is stage manager Larry Raben.

“Agnes of God” is a splendid production you will not soon forget. For tickets and reservation information call the Annenberg Theater Box Office at 760-325-4490 or Coyote StageWorks at 760-318-0024.  The play performs Fridays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 2 pm and 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm through May 1st.