Mass Appeal opens in Rosebud Theatre

Laureen F. Guenther
Times Contributor

 

Mass Appeal, Rosebud Theatre’s fall show, directed by Paul F. Muir, opened on Sept. 18 and runs until Oct. 24.
Father Tim Farley (John Innes) is a Catholic priest who’s worked hard to earn the approval and affection of his parishioners. He enjoys a comfortable life and is equally comfortable with the fact that he has to compromise a few values in order to keep it that way.
Mark Dolson (Caleb Gordon) is a seminary student who’s committed to a higher set of ideals and that bothers Father Tim a little. It bothers him much more that Dolson is determined that Father Tim will re-examine his own principles too.
Yet Father Tim isn’t so jaded he can’t see potential in Mark Dolson, so he agrees to mentor him, planning to smooth out the rough spots. A clash of values and temperaments is inevitable – but it may bring out truth, and maybe hope and love will grow along with it.
Innes is a newcomer to Rosebud Theatre, but this is yet another strong performance in a 45-year acting career. For Gordon, a fourth-year student at Rosebud School of the Arts, it’s his first major role, but he impressed me by carrying equal strength with veteran Innes. They both seem so well-cast, it’s hard to imagine anyone else playing these roles.
I saw the first read of this play a month ago, so before opening night, I already knew the story had an impact on me. Muir commented at that reading that this play is about truth versus fear, and that God is using Mark Dolson as a catalyst in His own pursuit of Father Tim’s heart. In this performance, those themes were developed into clear but subtle focus.
I also wondered if a full performance would affect me more deeply than the simple reading, and I’m glad to say it did. In fact, I was surprised to tears by a growing tenderness between these two men, because I hadn’t caught that at all during first read.
I’ve seen other plays directed by Muir – Tuesdays with Morrie, Barefoot in the Park, Diary of Anne Frank, Shape of a Girl – and they’ve moved me in different ways. But Mass Appeal has touched me most deeply, I think, and will be my new Muir favorite.
Mass Appeal runs Wednesdays through Saturdays, until Oct. 24. Call 1-800-267-7553 or go to www.rosebudtheatre.com for tickets.