Terry Earp's God's Desk at On The Spot Theatre
(out
of 
)Mark S.P. Turvin
(home office) (602) 912-0117
I can be reached for comment via e-mail at: mspt@goldfishpublishers.com
Reviewed 8/7/98
(out
of )In the re-production of local playwright Terry Earp's 1995 play, God's Desk, God, or Godfrey, as he's known in the grander scheme of things, has become a bit disheartened by his constantly falling behind in his duties. He also has the overwhelming feeling that his battle with the Devil, or Luther, as he's known in celestial parlance, is soon to be lost to his tricky adversary. They both must report to Ikia, the Mistress of the Cosmos with an uncanny resemblance in attitude to Leona Helmsley. As time is winding down on Mother Earth and her inhabitants, this grand experiment becomes dependant on the final destination of a simple lawyer named Marty, who is dancing around limbo trying to decide on Heaven or Hell. Confused? It's not nearly as difficult to understand as it sounds when in the audience for this over-the-top word-play, directed by Judith Eisenberg.
The script itself is in need of a dramaturg as niggling inconsistencies and minor slips abound in this somewhat-less-than-clever game of double-entendre's and plays-on-words. One of many examples of this occur when Godfrey, while searching through his desk, which is overflowing with prayer requests, discovers a note from Jesus warning him of impending crucifixion, yet a few minutes later, tells that he had last cleaned his desk during the Renaissance. It's these types of little inconsistencies, and the less-than-inspired (and exclusively Christian) word play and broad-stroked characters that hold this play back from being exceptional. Despite these problems, though, this production actually overcomes its text by the zany direction of Ms. Eisenberg, and the in-your-face performances of the sincere-yet-campy actors.
The best of the camp comes from Michael Liddy as the devious, yet dashing, Luther. He never goes too far over-the-top as to become annoying, and manages to be comedic, yet still keeps his part of the drama intact. As the Everyman in the midst of the grand scheme, Joe Schwartz also does a commendable job of being the ultimate straight man for this cosmic comedy. Solid performances come from Nick Camarda as Godfrey and Steve Riedler as attending angel Obie, who on occasion speed through their banter, but get most of the point across. Also solid is Sue Minto in her superfluous part of Mother Earth, which serves more as sympathy-getter and simple butt of smell jokes than a dramatic character. The only disappointing performance comes from Christie Little as Cosmic C.E.O. Ikia, who plays her all-knowing superior to God as part strutting dominatrix, part spoiled brat. Her character is so abrasive, little genuine sympathy can be created for the climax of her grand experiment.
Nick Newberry's simple set is effective and at times its own amusing sight gag. James Harris' lighting is also simple and effective. Kudos go to the choice of music during the proceedings, which enhanced the campy quality of the show greatly.
While the play itself is silly, this production is strangely
entertaining. Perhaps Ms. Eisenberg's mixing is more precise than
the original creation. Whatever the reason, this production of
God's Desk manages to fly despite stunted angel's wings.
Production Details:
God's Desk by
Terry Earp
On The Spot Theatre, Phoenix
564-6606
August 7th through September 5th, 1998