Theater Review: A Mesmerizing Night Of Storytelling By Top-Notch Actors
SHERMAN — Three actors. Four monologues. Subjective truth. That is Brian Friel’s 1979 play Faith Healer in a nutshell. The master of Irish drama weaves a dark, poetic tale of faith, doubt and control as he explores a so-called faith healer’s story from multiple perspectives.
A captivating new production is now being presented on the Sherman Playhouse stage under the direction of E. Kyle Minor.
The fantastic Francis Hardy (or so his advertising banner claims), played in Sherman by Matthew Bogen, is a popular revival leader traveling the country healing the afflicted. Over the course of two and a half hours we hear his story and the story of the night his wife (or mistress?) gave birth to a stillborn baby and how Hardy had an unfortunate demise from three different points of view — from Hardy himself; from Grace, his long-suffering life partner (played by Priscilla Squiers); and from Hardy’s eccentric manager Teddy (Bruce Tredwell).
Three of the area’s foremost thespians are tackling the extremely challenging play. Minor has done a wonderful job staging the work. It is simple, yet extremely effective. Three very distinctive chairs, each with a character of its own, adorn the stage as the audience enters the theater. Soon their inhabitants tell their stories.
Portraying the titular faith healer, Bogen has the audience hanging on every word as he paints vivid pictures of the life he leads. One cannot help but see the charm that so many have fallen for over the years.
Bogen strikes the right balance of charismatic and authoritative as he pulls the audience in. It’s never known whether any of the three characters are telling the truth, and that leaves an air of mystery surrounding the story.
As Grace Hardy, Squiers brings a lovable grittiness which immediately garners the audience’s sympathies for this lawyer-turned-alcoholic. This role is quite a departure for Squiers, a local theater staple. Her risks pay off as her monologue is a real treat to watch. Attendees never know where her story might be going.
Finally, as Teddy, the over-the-top manager of Francis Hardy, Bruce Tredwell perfectly embodies the role with humor and heart. As he polishes off many bottles of ale and recounts stories for the audience, he simultaneously makes them laugh and breaks their hearts.
Friel never answers many of the questions put forth in the play. Those are for the discerning audience to debate.
Faith Healer is a mesmerizing night of storytelling by top notch actors. If that sounds up your alley, this is one not to miss.
Performances continue to October 5 at Sherman Playhouse. Tickets and more information can be found at shermanplayers.org.