Threshold Repertory Theatre’s “Hand to God” is a Comedic Ride Through a Tornado of Insanity

By Mark A. Leon

Boy loves Mom
Boy loves Jesus
Boy makes puppet
Puppet is possessed by the Devil
Puppet has crazy orgasmic sex with another puppet
A life lesson in family values

This is the genius behind Robert Askins’ Broadway adaptation masterfully brought to the Charleston Stage by Director Erin Wilson, Artistic Director Jay Danner, Managing Director Darryl Laplante and five incredibly versatile actors.  In the final production of the 8^th season for Threshold Repertory Theatre, nothing was held back in this outrageous, laugh out loud, poignant and at times dark comedy.

With an excellent script and precision timing, the cast takes you through a journey tackling the issues of religion, lust, love, loneliness, family values and the eminent dangers of puppetry.

With lines, so comically powerful as “You are so far in the closet, you are in Narnia” (Jessica speaking to Timmy about his bottled up homosexual tendencies), a well-chosen musical soundtrack including Baby, Baby by Amy Grant and Jesus Take the Wheel by Carrie Underwood, scenery so vivid and detailed it becomes part of the experience and behaviors so radically fueled, this play is an over the top hit.

James Ketelaar is a shining star on stage portraying young Jason and his possessed puppet Tyrone.  His transformation from a young and confused church going only child who recently lost his father to a puppet possessed by the Devil is one of the most beautifully acted roles of the season in Charleston.  His deep hedonistic Tyrone voice and innocent lost childhood Jason voice compliment so well and evolve seamlessly throughout the duration of the play.

James extends his acting boundaries not only in the dual role, but with the compliment of his ability to add physical comedy to his performance.

Without given away too much detail, the puppet sex scene between Tyrone and Jessica’s promiscuous puppet had laughs so hard that audience members lost sight of the dialogue between Jason and Jessica.  A scene that played out as two young lovers were awkwardly trying to ask each other to the homecoming dance.  If the Muppet Show met the raunchy cast of Monty Python, with the physical comedy of the Marx Brothers, you would come close to the vision witnessed in that scene.

It was magical and yet still left you feeling sinfully dirty just for appreciating every moment.

Addison Dent, played Timmy, the lustful beanie wearing troublemaker, whose passion for Margery, the teacher and Mother of Jason, led to a sequence of mischief that is the catalyst for the entire cast and story spinning out of control.

Camille Lowman, originally from South Carolina and a College of Charleston graduate, lit up each scene as a recent widower, follower of Jesus and confused woman dealing with the desires of a teenage boy, lonely courtship of the pastor, and a son who is possessed by a hand puppet.

From questioning the words of the bible, to legs spread open wide on the floor of the church classroom, Camille let loose in a way that warrants respect and admiration.

Laurens Wilson complimented the cast so well as Pastor Greg providing reason and balance and a touch of insecurity to the story line and Loren Mixon as Jessica provided an inherent wisdom that helped the rest of the cast find direction.

From the opening scene to the final malicious puppet laugh, Hand to God is a remarkable achievement in dark insane comedy, that even finds time to add touching life lessons about family values and the road blocks we all hit in life.  Life isn’t always easy and at times, love can be heartbreaking, but when evil rears its ugly head, there are ways to overcome and this play brings that lesson home.

Go enjoy this play and be prepared to laugh all the way home.

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