Publisher: Elizabeth Hurd

Hilarious Heresy in The Pollard’s “An Act of God”

Brenda Williams

The Pollard Theatre in Guthrie, Oklahoma kicks off its 32nd season with David Javerbaum’s popular controversial comedy “An Act of God” starring Brenda Williams.  Javerbaum is an award-winning comedy writer known for his prolific work as a staff writer on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. His first book, The Last Testament: A Memoir by God was released in 2011 with “An Act of God” premiering in 2015.  Both were formed from a series of tweets @thetweetofGod.  The Pollard Theatre is a professional regional theatre of noted excellence and Timothy Stewart is pleased to direct “An Act of God” for Oklahoma’s diverse population.

 “An Act of God” is a one act, and essentially a one-man show.  God rewrites the Ten Commandments for contemporary worshipers, and provides explanations and commentary on Biblical passages for the audience.  The play is reminiscent of a lengthy television revivalist infomercial, with questions supposedly taken from audience members. The set suggests a temporary studio for a televangelist. A ‘sales pitch’ begins from the entity who created the universe.

Upon opening, Williams explains that her body is being used as the vehicle for God, and that she herself will awake with no knowledge of the events.  Williams, as God, dominates the show with supporting roles from actors James A. Hughes as Gabriel and Dakota Muckelrath as Michael.  Gabriel acts as an administrative assistant and supports God with angelic humor. Michael pretends to collect queries from the audience for God, but interviews the patrons as a shield to ask his own questions. 

One of the most important commandments (according to God) is that church and state should be separate.  God states that he is not a politician and has no interest in political matters.  Then God proceeds to engage in political commentary.  Some audience members may find God’s hypocrisy offensive or tedious, other’s amusing.  Stewart does a marvelous job directing the actors.  Technically, the show is perfect, and the action takes place on a heavenly set designed by Hughes.

In comedy, timing is essential.  This cast of three has excellent control of each moment.  James A. Hughes creates the character of the Archangel Gabriel as simultaneously officious, bureaucratic and adorably cute.  Dakota Muckelrath, the Archangel Michael, has earnest doubt and handsome bureaucratic ease.  Together they provide wonderful support and chemistry for Williams.  Their interchanges are fascinating as well as funny.  One of God’s greatest gifts is a sense of humor, and Williams has wonderful humor as God.  She does not hesitate to allow him flaws, human flaws, but does so with such empathy for humanity that her interpretation is believable even when cruel.  As a result she leaves the audience in stitches.  Williams’s amazing stage presence in her performance pays off in this show.  She is brilliantly funny delivering irreverent hilarity.

“An Act of God” plays at the Pollard through September 8, 2018.  For irreverent hilarity call the box office at the Pollard Theatre at 405-282-2800.  Or visit www.thepollard.org for information and reservations.  The Pollard Theatre is located in historic downtown Guthrie at 120 West Harrison.  Curtain is 8:00 pm for the evening performances and 2:00 pm Sunday matinees.  “An Act of God” is a side-splitting beginning to another Perfect Pollard Season.

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OUTTAKES FOR THE BLOG: 

From paragraph 4 following ‘Then God proceeds to engage in political commentary’ the following sentence was removed:     At this moment specifically on opening night, an audible gasp emanated from some conservative members of the audience. God displaying an obvious hypocrisy was a chilling moment for a few. 

The following sentence was suggested by colleagues* but not included as hearsay and  the previous sentence (above) was deleted :     The second night, God’s political aside was a cause for good humor.

The following sentence was cut in order to insert the final sentence from the first paragraph. It is important to remember that The Pollard Theatre caters to a sophisticated audience. Limited space dictates the cut:     The May 2015 debut of “An Act of God” with Jim Parsons was followed in 2016 with Sean Hayes. Javerbaum, also an award-winning lyricist, has collaborated with Stephen Colbert.           Each audience reflects diverse attitudes.

*Elizabeth Hurd attended opening night.  Blog Colleagues Adrienne Proctor and Phyllis Kimmel Libby attended the following evening.