Politics & religion combine in powerful ’Saint Joan’ at 2nd Story

Posted 12/5/13

George Bernard Shaw’s classic play takes a close look at politics and religion through the eyes of a feisty peasant girl who dares to challenge the church and the state. 2nd Story Theatre, under …

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Politics & religion combine in powerful ’Saint Joan’ at 2nd Story

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George Bernard Shaw’s classic play takes a close look at politics and religion through the eyes of a feisty peasant girl who dares to challenge the church and the state. 2nd Story Theatre, under the direction of Ed Shea, has taken the sometimes wordy and pedantic play and breathed life into its many characters.

Valerie Westgate makes a perfect Joan. A bit spunkier than some Joans I have seen in the past, Westgate has cut her hair, donned boyish clothes and taken charge of her role.

Set designer Trevor Elliott has created an overwhelming set: an imposing cathedral with a couple dozen tall pillars. `Nearly two dozen actors spread out in the huge area, each having their moments, while some disappear, not returning until the postscript.

Joan is the center of attention from the time she barges into the church until she receives her harsh punishment for her heresy. She believes without a shadow of doubt that God speaks directly to her, and the leaders of the Catholic church need to pay attention to what she proposes. She challenges the haughty Archbishop (Jim Sullivan) and simple Dauphin (Rico Lanni). She pushes them to drive the English out of her beloved France and gain control of their destiny.

It is a long, wordy first act, especially for 2nd Story, which goes 15 minutes over its usual two-hour limit, but necessary to set up the more fast-paced, dramatic second act, where Joan is captured by the English and put on trial.

We all remember that Joan is burned at the stake and eventually made a saint. Shaw has added an epilogue where Joan’s ghost returns to confront captors, enemies and supporters and learns of her sainthood.

Director Shea was called into action to play the pivotal role of Warwick when one of the actors became ill. The talented Shea didn’t miss a beat or a line.

From Ara Boghigian’s Bluebeard to Kevin Broccoli’s Inquisitor to the smaller roles of the Steward played by Andrew Iacovelli and the Executioner played by Jason Quinn, all parts are important parts, and director Shea gets the most out of them.

“Saint Joan” is well worth the trip to Warren, especially for Shaw lovers. The play runs through Dec. 15. Tickets are $25, $20 for those under 21. Call 247-4200 for reservations.

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