“AN ACT OF GOD”

Samantha Ginn

 Scripps Ranch Theatre is currently mounting David Javerbaum’s sometimes sacrilegious, oft times funny, other times edgy and more often than not chaotic take on God’s remake of the Ten Commandments; ergo: 10 new ones are written for humanity sake.  

With Samantha Ginn, dressed all in white with LGBTQ striped sox, (Dawn Fuller-Korinek), She is in complete command of the universe as she begins Her journey (about 90 minutes) touching on everything biblical (and then some) from Adam and Eve to Jesus Christ and the manger story,  to the burning bush, to 911, to the Holocaust, to the Via Dolorosa, to Jesus being a difficult child, to the jealousy and first murder of Abel by his brother Cain, to Sodom and Gomorrah, to the question of why children die of cancer to believing in ourselves and forgiveness. 

It’s a bit of a stretch to imagine all this to be covered by God Herself. But fear not. She did have two Angel Helpers. Toga clad Archangel Michael (Devyn Wood) and Archangel Gabriel (A.J. Knox) who encouraged audience participation, er, when She approved.

Devyn Wade and A.J, Knox

Throw in a little pop culture, old TV shows a la “Family Feud”,  some two step, side step choreography by Luke Harvey Jacobs, scenic and lighting designer David Kievit (“God’s, Open 24 Hours.” Neon over the door) and Ted Leibs sound design left no one in the dark about what the next Commandment  boomed in would be.  

Between Director Phil Johnson, who in his own right is funny, and Ginn, who teaches ADAH (inclusion specialist) children as a profession, giving voice to those who feel they have no voice, “An Act Of God” is a perfect piece for this outstanding comedian.  Ginn is also no stranger to Off Beat Shows; “She-Rantulas” comes to mind.

Samantha Ginn as God

As for her two archangels… Knox has the biggest voice announcing the new 10 Commandments while Wade, the more compassionate, and good natured is more of a pain in God’s side, for some reason? Both have feathered wings although Archangel Michael, gets his feathers ruffled in a little kerfuffle with God. But I guess it comes with the territory…sigh. 

I was surprised that in the end we all didn’t stand and sing AMEN but I guess it wasn’t in Her plan. Instead of Brushing up your Shakespeare, I say brush up on your Bile studies… or not. But have fun along the way.

See you at the theatre.

Enjoy.

The New 10 Commandments

When:  Runs through April 13. 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2  p.m. Sundays

Where: Scripps Ranch Theatre, 9783 Avenue of Nations, Alliant International University, San Diego

Tickets: $10-$45

Photo: Michael Pearce

Phone: 619-568-5800

Online: theroustabouts.org