Divine Contract Killing

Prayer Circle

Most people have probably known someone who has made their lives miserable, if not completely unlivable. It’s a sad fact of life. We wish, hope and pray for that person to just vanish and leave us alone. It would be great if, somehow, we could get rid of that individual, without breaking the law or dirtying our hands. Playwright Erik Gernand’s full-length, 90-minute one-act is about a prayer group at a small country church whose members discover that their invocations to God have far greater consequences than they ever imagined possible. Essentially, this gathering of seemingly innocent parishioners discover they can and will unite every week in a spate of divine contract killing. 

As the lights come up on this dark one-act comedy, we find a young man seated at the upright piano that’s tucked away into the corner of the church attic. He plays a few chords and then launches into a beautiful hymn, completely a cappella. The character is a charismatic high school math teacher named Doug. Young Addy, one of his students, joins him, talking nonstop about anything and everything that comes to her mind. Where music brings Doug solace and tranquility, apparently incessant babbling provides the same satisfaction for Addy. The teenager’s persistent banter, which jumps from topic to topic, is hilarious with its non sequiturs and unstoppable continuity. But Addy possesses a secret power that she’s learned how to share with the other members of the prayer circle.

Next we meet Marilyn, a persnickety, middle-age woman who is clearly in charge of what is going to soon take place in the church attic. Or at least that’s how Marilyn sees herself. Somewhat prudish, overly fussy and continually dwelling on unimportant details that clearly gets on everyone’s nerves—especially Addy’s—Marilyn is one of those people who love the little bit of power that having a key to church can offer. Then Carol, the “weird Bible woman,” as Addy calls her, arrives, like a burst of radiant sunshine. Particularly pleasant and overly affable, Carol is like Pollyanna and comes with an eternally shiny, positive attitude. She also has her own brand of repetitive babble and meaningless, banal conversation that drives everyone nuts. And Carol will continue to jabber nonstop, until someone finally asks her to stop talking.

These four very different people, we eventually learn, are united and devout members of the church’s prayer circle, or the “Prayer Warriors,” as Marilyn insists. It’s a constant point of contention. However, when theatergoers finally come to understand the goal behind this small, religious army, Marilyn might be correct in her nomenclature, because the four, seemingly innocent church members are united in group warfare to rid the world of evil. As their final act of violence, the prayer circle has invited the grieving Pastor Evans to join them in the attic room. There is one more person in this country who, they argue, needs to be eliminated, for the wellbeing of America.

PRAYER CIRCLE was written by Erik Gernand. He’s a Chicago-based writer and filmmaker, as well as Redtwist’s revered playwright in residence. Gernand has written a number of small cast, often-produced plays, and has won the Jeff Award for Best New Work for his 2024 play, THE TOTALITY OF ALL THINGS. This new, dark, offbeat comedy by Mr. Gernand perfectly kicks off Redtwist’s 22nd season, which is entitled “State of Violence.” This play very much embraces that theme.

Dusty Brown, the multitalented executive artistic director of Redtwist Theatre, takes the creative reins for the season opener. They have guided the finest performances from their small cast of talented actors, while also utilizing every square inch of the intimate Redtwist performance space. Jeff Brain’s modest, but nicely detailed scenic design captures the church’s sparse, seldom-used attic room, lined in weathered barn wood, with a colorful stained glass window in the front facade. Beams of light that pass through the panes, for which Piper Kirchhofer has designed lighting that maximizes the holy effect. Special acknowledgement of Madeline Felauer for creating a wardrobe of unique costumes that provide specificity for each character. In particular, Carol’s outfits are particularly perfect for her quirky character.

The cast is excellent. It was as if the playwright had these five talented actors in mind when he created the characters in this play. Andi Muriel plays Addy with an intense fervor. Her Addy provides most of the humor in this production, as well as the drama. Most recently Ms. Muriel was seen in AstonRep’s production of UNCLE VANYA. Theatergoers may recognize Jacqueline Grandt from her powerful, Jeff Award-winning portrayal of Queen Elizabeth, in Theo Ubique’s musical, DIANA. Portraying another powerful woman, Ms. Grandt dominates this play, totally owning the stage as Marilyn. This lady offers many opinions and has a lot to say to everyone. 

Redtwist ensemble member, Philip C. Matthews is dynamic as pious Pastor Evans. Portraying a clergyman who is grieving the recent loss of his wife to cancer, and is a dedicated father of twin boys, Philip is both heartbreaking and understandably harried. But when the good minister learns what some of his congregation have been up to, Pastor Evans almost suffers a complete breakdown. Kezia Waters commands with their performance as Doug, a teacher with a strong spiritual foundation. As an actor, director and playwright, Mr. Waters calls themself a multidisciplinary artist. And ensemble member Macaria Chaparro Martinez is absolutely delightful as the curiously childlike Carol. Macaria was recently seen in THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA, with PlayMakers Laboratory. As Carol, Ms. Martinez evokes gales of laughter with their strong, unconventional characterization.

PRAYER CIRCLE is being given a very respectable production at Redtwist, as it opens the company’s awe-inspiring, 22nd season. This dark comedy will not only elicit laughter, with its gallows humor, but it may provide goosebumps for some audience members and make other theatergoers simply shudder. The subject is definitely fascinating, to say the least. But the way this story plays out, despite the laughs, it could become a little unsettling to someone who doesn’t truck with divine contract killing.    

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented September 20-November 8 by Redtwist Theatre, 1044 W. Bryn Mawr, Chicago.  

Tickets are available in person at the box office or by going to www.RedtwistTheatre.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com

Production photos by Tom McGrath