BWW Reviews: Stark Naked Theatre Company Presents THE GOD GAME, For Better, For Worse

THE GOD GAME is the story of a Virginia senator, Tom (Justin Doran), who is up for the vice president candidacy and consequently must face questions about his character and personal beliefs. Does he believe in God? Is he a Christian? And does it matter? Should it matter?

THE GOD GAME is a timely play, as current hot-button political issues are woven into the lives of a politician, his Christian wife, Lisa (Kim Tobin-Lehl), and their gay politico friend, Matt (Philip Lehl), who was romantically involved with Tom's late brother. One of the main themes of the play is integrity; is it okay to pretend you're a Christian to get votes? Or, in Matt's case, keep your homosexuality on the down-low to progress in your job? Marital issues are called into question, as well. Tom and Lisa clearly love each other, but their spiritual differences could unravel their marriage in the midst of a stressful political race. They are together, for better, for worse, but the cracks in their relationship are looming large.

Tom argues that religious affiliation, or lack thereof, should have no bearing on whether a candidate is fit for the job, and rationalizes that lying about his lack of religious devotion is just part of playing the game to get him into office. Matt plays down his homosexuality in the midst of his own political ambitions, even working for a governor who has bigoted leanings.

The voice of reason, or integrity, is Lisa, Tom's wife. A Christian woman who is dedicated to her church, she has a weak stomach for blasphemy and misrepresentation. At the beginning of the play, Lisa almost begs her husband to go to church with her. He says no, then changes his tune after talking with his friend Matt, who advises that church attendance would favor voters. Their marriage is shaken up a bit by Tom's ambition and insensitivity to Lisa's beliefs. Matt tells him he needs to appear "more Christian" to gain favor with voters. Understandably this does not sit well with Lisa, and opens up a smorgasbord of emotions and arguments.

Wrtten by Suzanne Bradbeer, the topics of THE GOD GAME are compelling and definitely inspire discussion and debate, but there is something tiring about the script. Why is Matt hanging around all day on the couple's anniversary? It's understood that he's trying to prime his friend for candidacy, but does he have to do it for hours and hours on the day of their wedding anniversary? The bulk of the play takes place over the course of one day, and I couldn't help but wonder, why don't they kick Matt out? Instead they argue, apologize, reminisce, and emotionally explode, all in one day. The character of Lisa is, at times, borderline manic; one second she's happy and romantic, the next she's angry, the next she's heart-broken, with very little build up between each emotion. One feels the need to say, "Everybody take a break! Go to bed! And, Matt, hit the road!"

Directed by Jennifer Dean, the cast of THE GOD GAME is strong and interesting. Justin Doran plays the part of Tom perfectly, embodying the role with complete credibility and likable ease. Kim Tobin-Lehl is a seasoned, talented actress, but in the role of Lisa there are times when she is contrived and uneven. It must be said that she had to play a role that was written unevenly. There are moments in the play when you wonder if Lisa is suffering from a mood disorder, and I suspect that that is more of a script problem than a problem with the actor's choices. Tobin is very affective in the moments when she is passionate about her christianity, trying to get her husband to open his mind to her religious beliefs. Matt is played by Philip Lehl, who balances both the sensitive and ambitious qualities of the character with complete believability.

Jodi Bobrovsky's set is pitch-perfect. It looks and feels exactly like a rising-star-politician's home, complete with all the familial personal touches.

THE GOD GAME is an interesting production with many impressive components, but it's also a little exhausting. Playwright Suzanne Bradbeer has a gift for dialogue and compelling themes, but the mood swings of the play are a bit much.

For tickets to THE GOD GAME, go to: http://www.starknakedtheatre.com/tickets.html

Photo Credit: Gabriella Nissen

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