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Theater: Personal Jesus
David Templeton finds a different grace in 'Wretch Like Me'

by Lee Brady

In Wretch Like Me, David Templeton, a contributing writer to this paper as well as others, takes audiences on an insightful journey through his years as a self-described "born again Jesus Freak." The title character, young David, searches for love and friends (not in that order) and finds both in a cultish group of teenagers who find joy in sacrifice. In one of the more bizarre stories, his young girlfriend describes "wetting her pants for Jesus." But "joy" brings guilt and despair to the young boy who feels he's not worthy of the amazing grace the others celebrate.

The song "Amazing Grace" is sung in various styles by Templeton, and he is gifted at bringing characters to life: his mother who sings and falls in love with unsuitable men; his father, stable to a fault; and his brothers, one of whom boils a salamander in a science experiment. Fellow Christians like Jessie P. and Rick the Surfer Reverend also have their say. Templeton proves to be an able stand-up comic as he tells us on good authority: "Masturbation is not a sin, as long as you don't think about sex while doing it." But the humor is gentle; Templeton isn't making a point about religion as much as he is showing us his, and our, need for community.

The insights don't come in a climactic scene, which works in a workshop. But as a theater production, Wretch Like Me feels long. Hitting the high notes and trusting the audience to hum the low ones is always a good way to go.

• • • •

The Miser is frequently performed because its message hits home: our love of money and the love we think money can buy. But Moliere's blend of stock commedia types and all-too-true-to-life characters proves to be a treacherous slope for the Ross Valley Players who slip and slide in various directions before ending an exasperating evening of frenetic activity.

Bruce Vieira directs in bold strokes and gives each of his actors strong physical shtick. GreyWolf's Harpagon is frenzied as he flies about the stage, alternately accusing his family of stealing his money while scheming to make more by marrying his daughter, the simpering Mariann (Beth Deitchman), to a rich old man and giving his nerdy son Cleante (Andrew Gruen) to an equally old and rich widow. Cleante has already found love with the sexy wench Elise (Kelly Rinehart), while Mariann and the stalwart Valere (Chad Yarish) are making their own marriage plans.

Fred Pitts is conniving as the servant La Fleche and Ben Knoll keeps the slapstick going as Master Jacques, whether he is wearing his chef's toque or his chauffeur's cap. Courtney Walsh plays a sexy dominatrix; her matchmaking Frosine doesn't need a match to light marital fires. Although all the actors are entertaining, none moves beyond the farcical limits of Vieira's concept to let us know what is motivating their frantic performances. A stage curtain on scenic designer David Apple's clever set opens to reveal a second stage where actors argue, clean up the stage, pick up discarded underwear and get ready for their next show. Michael Berg's costumes go from tatty ruffles for the young women to sequined flash for Frosine and long johns (with built-in potbelly) for the Miser. Vieira's eclectic sound design reinforces this modern translation (by David Chambers), which is made more contemporary by references to Marin and current events. New lighting designer Josh Ferrise keeps the bright lights going with spotlights on the main action. In short, the style of the play is commedia dell' arte, and the actors do a good job portraying the stock characters that Moliere wrote. But the human needs of these people do not come across. What is it they want from each other and why should we, the audience, care if they get it?

NOW PLAYING

Wretch Like Me runs Wednesdays, Jan. 27 & Feb. 3 at 142 Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley; 415/509-5256, www.142throckmortontheatre.com .

The Miser runs through Feb. 14 at the Barn Theatre, Marin Art & Garden Center, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Ross; 415/456-9555, www.rossvalleyplayers.com .

Tell Lee to break a leg at freshleebrady@gmail.com.