God Show Up, and He Has Notes

The theater has a varied relationship with God. He is a remote, but powerful motivator in some Shakespeare and a play like Joan of Arc. He is a presence off-stage, influencing the actions of men in plays across the ages. In God Shows Up, he is a direct character, appearing on the television show of a popular televangelist.

God makes an appearance on the non-denominational, but quite capitalistic, Dr. Thomas Issac Rehan show, live from St. Louis, in the ex-home field of the Rams to answer questions, participate in some give and take, and generally boost the ratings of the show. It is a unique event, one that Dr. Rehan takes full advantage of. As for God, his motivation is only slowly reveled. He has come back to correct some mistakes and characterizations in the holy books and set the record straight with regards to many things said in his name.

Lou Liberatore and Christopher Sutton in God Shows Up

Christopher Sutton plays the televangelist with the easy cadence and charm of a snake-oil salesmen. He handles an obnoxious role extremely well, bringing a genial confidence even when he is discovered to be lying. Lou Liberatore does a great job with the character of God. He is easy going, charming, and bemused by Thomas’ television act. After a bit expectation setting by his character, Mr. Liberatore settles in to the role of God excellently.

The final actress is LeeAnn Hutchison with a rather small part, but it grows in ways I don’t want to spoil.

Most of Gods Shows Up proceeds with humor and a breezy confidence. The play does mock religions’ capitalistic tendencies and the inconsistencies of doctrine, but goes out of its way to be positive about the adherents motivations and actions. It is clever, funny and intelligent without being condescending.

But the play steps into some questionable territory towards the end by drawing a direct connection between Satan and our crop of self-interested televangelists that is a bit over the top and unnecessary. However, that connection does make Christopher Sutton's final words a bit chilling.

Directed by Christopher Scott, God Shows Up moves along nicely. It is aiming for a nice off-Broadway shelf life and it would be well earned, albeit not with evangelical southerners.

God Shows Up

Playwright: Philip Filichia | Director: Christopher Scott | Cast: LeeAnn Hutchison, Lou Liberatore, Christopher Sutton | Website