Review: CATCO Presents a Comedic, Candid Chat with God

It's not every day you are invited to sit in the studio audience of a late-night talk show -- especially one hosted by the Supreme Being credited with creating heaven and earth.

CATCO's "An Act of God" brings the King of the Universe to a sparsely decorated set in the heart of Ohio for a tell-all session packed with sarcasm, sass and lots of laughs.

It turns out God looks a lot like New York-based actor Tim Elliott, as it is Elliott who appears on stage at the Vern Riffe Center's Studio Two Theatre draped in a white robe on top of a blue-checked shirt, burnt-orange tie and striped socks.

After a "technical glitch" causes the P.A. system to malfunction, it is explained that the evening's holy host has chosen to appear in human form. Elliott, the audience is informed, is unaware that God has decided to inhabit his body for the purposes of speaking to the crowd.

Once the basic logistical details of God's presence are covered, two new characters emerge dressed in all white with fluffy wings strapped to their backs. God introduces his angels, Michael (William Darby IV) and Gabriel (Ted Amore), the latter of whom is placed in charge of the Bible (although this particular edition seems to closely resemble an iPad).

True to its title, "An Act of God" is indeed a one-act play. Running about 90 minutes without an intermission, the plot is structured around God's modern interpretation of the Ten Commandments.

Deciding it is time for a change, God announces the unveiling of his new set of commandments, which he is determined to give directly to the citizens of Columbus, Ohio, in lieu of using an intermediary like Moses.

As each commandment and Bible verse is projected onto the video screen suspended above the stage and dictated to the audience by Gabriel, God cheekily provides commentary on his actions and words.

The first commandment is, apparently, one that survived God's rewrite (there are a few "holdovers" that appear in the list), yet many are revised to address modern topics such as gay marriage, gun rights, abortion and the 2016 presidential election.

Throughout the play, irreverent retellings of biblical stories -- ranging from the real origins of Adam and Eve to the placing of puppies on Noah's arc -- abound. Although extensive previous knowledge of the Old Testament is not necessary to enjoy many of the jokes and puns written into the script, there are some intricate instances of crafty wordplay that will land well with the biblical scholars in the audience -- granted, those open to this specific brand of humor.

Packed with plenty of laughable moments, "An Act of God" is a lighthearted romp that is not for the easily offended. The Bible is dissected and warped to fit into the play's comedic framework, but it would be a stretch to say that the jokes are used as a way to convey a serious message.

Michael, who serves as a voice for humanity and rebels by incessantly questioning God's motives and decisions, adds a secondary storyline that attempts to examine the basis of belief and religion. However, the undertones of this theological debate are generally overpowered by sexual innuendoes and profanity-laden punchlines.

Indeed, despite what its title might initially suggest, "An Act of God" is not a play that will enlighten your existential musings, but that's OK. It is an entertaining hour-and-a-half production that encourages viewers to sit back, stop worrying about life and laugh a little. Perhaps that is one way to answer our prayers.

"An Act of God" is set to run at the Vern Riffe Center's Studio Two Theatre, Sept. 7 - 23. Show information and ticket pricing can be found on CATCO's website.

The Vern Riffe Center is located at 77 S. High St.

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