The God Committee
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Cirigliano, Stephenson
Photo by Ed Krieger
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By Joseph N. Feinstein
Plays have a way of coming here from New York in their own good time. It took a decade for the off-Broadway production of The God Committee, by Mark St. Germain, to travel to Los Angeles where the Actors Co-op of Hollywood is performing this most engaging play until November 18 at the Crossley Theatres in Hollywood.
The play revolves around a group of people who have to make the decision of which patient is to receive the one donor heart being made available to St. Patrick's Hospital. The group is made up of four doctors, one nurse, a social worker, a lay person, and a priest. Of course, petty rivalries, jealousies, and egos rule the day.
Heading the committee is Dr. Jack Klee (Mark K. Stephenson), who attempts to congeal this most opinionated group. Running around in his motorized scooter is Dominick Piero (Joshua Olson), the wise-guy of the group. Nurse Nella Larkin (Catie LeOrisa) has the unenviable tasks of answering a telephone that never stops ringing or attempting to quiet the blaring Irish music being piped over the intercom into their conference room on what is, unfortunately, St. Patrick's Day. Dr. Alex Gorman (James Runcorn) is the antagonist, always finding something or someone to berate. His acting was terrific! Dr. Ann Ross (Rocky Bonifield) is the resident psychiatrist with more personal problems than even she can handle. Rounding out the cast are Dr. Kiera Banks (Teresa Bisson) and Fr. Charles Dunbar played with spirit by John Cirigliano, who calls the committee a "detox unit for the fatally Irish!" The passionate debate that will decide which patient gets the heart brings many issues into play. The committee's raison d'etre is critical and crucial to someone's life.
The theater is quite small and is arranged in the round, creating a most intimate, involving setting for the audience. Moreover, the actors parade around the huge conference table one or two feet away from the first row. Direction by Ron Orbach, an original cast member, couldn't have been better, for he has the cast moving about in pain, angst, doubt, worry, and laughter which creates an intense emotional and psychological awareness from the rapt audience. As an audience we are quite engaged, and we find ourselves rooting for our choice of patient. The lines created by Mr. St. Germain create laughter and pathos, almost at the very same time: The Social Worker says to the Psychiatrist at lunch time: "May I escort you to The Salmonella Cafe?" Dr. Gorman asks the Priest, "Father, what is the suicide rate at your sermons?"
Which of the three candidates gets the heart? Not from this pen shall that answer be given. You have until November 18 to catch The God Committee. I would urge you to do so. Tell 'em Joseph sent you, and they may give you two tickets for the price of one!
The God Committee Actor's Co-op @ The Crossley Theatres 1760 N. Gower Street Hollywood 90028 Tel. 323-462-8460. Friday and Saturday @ 8:00 p.m.; Sunday @ 2:30 p.,m. Students at $20; tickets @ $30 Until November 18
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