BWW Reviews: A.D. Players' MASS APPEAL is Highly Appealing

MASS APPEAL begins with a well-liked Catholic priest, Father Timothy Farley (Ric Hodgin), who has spent years serving his congregation light, folksy sermons and running the parish with a conservative stance and adherence to rules and policies. Mark Dolson (Braden Hunt) is a young, rather liberal, seminarian, full of passion and candor. When Father Farley is assigned to mentor Dolson in the hopes that he can straighten out the firebrand, the two challenge each other, leading one to wonder who is the teacher and who is the student? At one point in the show, Father Farley says to Mark Dolson, "You're a lunatic! And Christ NEEDS lunatics. But the trouble with lunatics is they don't know how to survive." Farley is an expert at surviving, placating his superiors and giving his congregation what he thinks they want to hear. Dolson is a visionary of sorts, feeling the call to wake up those who have fallen into spiritual complacency.

Bill C. Davis has written a script that is thought-provoking and highly entertaining. MASS APPEAL was made into a film in 1984, starring Jack Lemmon as Father Farley. Considering it's entertainment value, it is surprising that the play is not done more often. MASS APPEAL deals with such themes as honesty, hypocrisy, and spiritual commitment, with the story woven by two characters who are extremely compelling together. There is plenty of humor in this show, ranging from lightly amusing to laugh-out-loud funny, and actors Ric Hodgin and Braden Hunt are skilled in their comedic chops, while showing a beautiful balance between the the humor and the more heavy hearted elements.

Seamlessly directed by Joey Watkins, this production of Mass Appeal is wonderfully polished and engaging. This is Watkins' third directing venture at A.D. Players and he has proven himself to have a keen sense of emotional balance and timing. Gifted actors, Hodgin and Hunt are above reproach, exhibiting superb acting chops and complete immersion into their roles. It is a joy to watch them together, particularly the scenes in which they pose hypothetical parish-related scenarios.

MASS APPEAL runs through November 16. For tickets to this skillful production go to:http://adplayers.org

Photo Credit: Jenn Henkel and Michelle Ritter

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