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| Theater company plans plays with a message Ruth Lepper The Daily Californian LA MESA — Christian Community Theater has opened new doors with its Warehouse Theater, offering another venue for plays with a specific message. Artistic Director Paul Russell calls it “a theater that challenges old ideas and raises new ones.” Its objective is to produce new works by contemporary playwrights exploring social, ethical or religious topics from a distinctly Christian perspective, he said. “The Dust of Eden,” was a notable choice for its first production. Written and directed by Bob Siegel, the poignant story pulls from the soul while tugging at the heart. Justin Parks, on stage nearly the entire length of the play, is dynamic as the young man trying to understand why the angel of death has appeared at his doorstep. His assertive portrayal of Sean dealing with the announcement, “Today is the last day of your life,” touches the lives of everyone who is a witness to this stellar production. The story is told in flashbacks over a seven-year period, with the angel helping Sean recall certain times in his life leading up to his final day. Sean, a Christian by nature, befriends Gretchen, a plain Jewish girl who is the brunt of cruel teasing by high school peers. They fall in love and he is soon introduced to her family, a shock treatment in itself. Gretchen has two younger sisters, one is thought to be mentally disabled and the other is an obnoxious pre-teen. Their parents are not exactly Ozzie and Harriet. When Sean goes away to college, Gretchen begins seeing Justin, one of the bullies from their high school days. Connie Cragel, as Gretchen, makes a notable transition from the caterpillar to the butterfly. She gives a very good portrayal of a young girl at a turning point in her life. Sarah Street plays the mentally disabled Heather. There is an abundance of love that pours out of Heather and it’s what Sean can do for her in return that gives her back a normal life. Joseph Jones meets the character of the angel with the right amount of self-assuredness needed to pull it off. Don Evans, as the impetuous father, is loud (at times, too loud) and arrogant. His approach to family life leaves a lot to be desired. Shawna Hagerty as the little sister is as bratty as can be, a definite plus for this character. Sherry Evans as the mother doesn’t come across as a “real person,” a definite lacking attribute. Matthew Lepker does well as Justin, the bully. Others in the cast are Terry Hagerty, Diane Blaisdell, Angela Cera, Rochelle Hagerty, Chester McLaughlin and Nathanael Siegel. “The Dust of Eden,” based on biblical principles, is performed in the round at the First United Methodist Church of La Mesa. It gives a more intimate touch to a decidedly intimate story. More Plays |