January 30, 2008

by Darla Martin Tucker

Throughout his life on earth Jesus challenged the status quo of religious norms.  He confronted social truths most people would just as soon avoid.  Taking on the role of “man,” Jesus used the skills of drama to tell stories that changed the world.  Over and over again he created incidents of discomfort for the church hierarchy, driving money-changers from the temple, associating with known prostitutes and tax-collectors and changing water into wine.  In the end he made them so angry that they crucified him.

In Bill Davis’ play, “Mass Appeal,” similar themes are explored as a young seminarian confronts the status quo of a Roman Catholic Parish.  Father Tim Farley, a lover of the good things in life, is comfortably ensconced as a priest of a prosperous Catholic congregation.  Without realizing it, he has resorted to flattering his parishioners and entertaining them with sermons that skirt any disturbing issues, in order to protect his Mercedes, his trips abroad and the generous supply of fine wines which grace his table (and his desk drawer).  His well-ordered world is disrupted by the arrival of Mark Dolson, an intense and idealistic young seminarian whom Father Farley reluctantly agrees to take under his wing.  There is immediate conflict between the two as the younger man challenges the older priest’s sybaritic ways, while Father Farley is appalled by Mark’s confession that he had led of life of promiscuity before entering the priesthood.  

Whether it be Garrison Keillor's Minnesota Lutherans in Lake Wobegon, or Pennsylvania's Amish brethren with their un-motorized vehicles, or the tofu-loving Seventh-day Adventists in Riverside -- there is always going to be both a humorous and solemn side to the story.  It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that any time you get a group of people together and organize a church, there will be arguments about the role of that church – should it “comfort the afflicted” or “afflict the comfortable?” 

Mass Appeal is a modern parable about what it means to tell the truth.  Just as Jesus’ parables made a lot of people nervous and twitchy, you may find yourself uncomfortable with some of the questions raised in this play.

Featuring veteran stage actor and artist-in-residence Jim Bock, and sophomore religion major, Kyle Dever, Mass Appeal will challenge audiences to confront traditionally taboo social truths in a touching yet very funny examination of the nature of friendship and courage, as the older man is reminded of the firebrand he once was, and the younger comes to realize that forbearance and righteousness are both vital to the Christian ethic.

WHERE:  La Sierra University, Matheson Hall.
DATE:  January 30, 31 and February, 3.
TIME:  All performances begin at 8 p.m.
TICKETS:  $5 Students; $6 General admission.
FUND-RAISING EVENT:  February 2, $40 per person.
CONTACT:  Marilynn Loveless, Artistic Director (951) 785-2274, lsudrama@lasierra.edu

PR Contact: Larry Becker
Executive Director of University Relations
La Sierra University
Riverside, California
951.785.2460 (voice)