**** Recommended **** Hand to God is a totally irreverent, foul-mouthed, bawdy, but absolutely hilarious comedy playing at the Copley Theatre through July 10th. At the beginning, an understated yet profane puppet prologue; at the end, a scene of chaotic destruction and possible redemption, in the middle, a possessed puppet determined to take over the world – or at least this little corner of Texas! Kudos to August Forman and his puppet, Tyrone, on a brilliant performance. Depending on your perspective on religion and church hypocrisy, Hand to God will have you laughing or gasping in horror! I chose laughter. 4 Spotlights
As you get seated in the Copley Theatre, you’ll notice a large puppet ‘watching’ a puppet stage with a smaller puppet stage hanging in front. Suddenly, an orange puppet appears in the puppet stage, knocking the little hanging stage off in the process. Then he starts talking to the audience, reasonably at first, but when his eyes turn red and his voice develops an echo, you’ll know the sh*t’s about to hit the fan!
Margery (Monica West) is a grieving widow. She turns to her church for solace but, she says, she can’t sing and she can’t preach, so she started a puppet club in the church basement. Unfortunately, her three potential puppeteers, her son Jason (August Forman), Jessica (Felicia Oduh) and Timmy (Jordan Moore) are just not cooperating today. Jason’s puppet, Tyrone, is complete and on his arm. Jessica is still stuffing hers, while Timmy is busy calling Jason and Jessica names.
Frustrated, Margery loses her cool, throws stuffing all over the room and sends the kids home. After they’re gone, Pastor Greg (Adam Wesley Brown), who is VERY interested in Margery (in a carnal way), informs her that her class will have to perform in front of the congregation on Sunday.
At home that night, Jason is sound asleep when Tyrone starts poking him, a pivotal moment in the play. How is it possible for a puppet to be awake when his person is asleep? Is there a higher power at work? No, it’s a lower power - Tyrone is possessed by the devil!
At the next puppet club, as Margery is trying to find a suitable story for the Sunday performance, Timmy tells her he’s in love with her. At first horror stricken, Margery listens to him, and eventually jumps his bones. Later, she rejects Pastor Greg’s advances. When Jason/Tyrone learns about his mother and Timmy, Tyrone takes over and goes completely out of control. That church basement will never be the same!
Note: Guests are encouraged to wear masks while inside the building.
Hand to God runs through July 10th in the Copley Theatre, North Island Center, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Plenty of street parking is available. Running time is 1 hour, 45 minutes, with an intermission. Performances are Wednesdays at 1:30 & 7:00 pm, Thursdays at 7:00 pm; Fridays at 8:00 pm, Saturdays at 2:00 and 8:00 pm, Sundays at 1:00 and 5:30 pm. Tickets range from $67-$74. Hand to God is suggested for ages 18 and up due to strong adult language, sexual harassment, simulated sex and simulated sexual violence. FYI (630) 896-6666 or www.paramountaurora.com.
