Theatre review

The Stillspeaking Theatre in San Marino opened its premier season with "The Runner Stumbles," a murder mystery written by Milan Stitt about a jaded Catholic priest who "stumbles" when an enthusiastic young nun comes to teach at his parish school.

Based on a true story that took place in Michigan in 1909, the story is woven around the actual trial for the nun's murder. (The inexperienced and unprepared lawyer, Toby Felker - played by Dennis Martin Clark - offers mild comic relief to this very intense play.)

Father Rivard (played dramatically by Lindsey Ginter) has been "condemned" by the pompous and legalistic Monsignor Nicholson ( Alexander Wells) for his youthful zeal and idealism and sent to work in a remote parish as punishment. A stern housekeeper ( Marie O'Donnell) is hired to look after him and keep him in line.

Eventually his enthusiasm fades, replaced by a strict adherence to rules and rituals. He preaches penance, flagellation and self-control. He embraces Christ's suffering and agony, and distains His resurrection and life.

Then a fresh young nun is sent to replace two who have fallen ill with consumption. Sister Rita ( Joanna Strapp, who looks sweet-faced and eager like a young Sally Fields) bubbles with a passion for teaching and a zest for living.

The priest is taken aback.

He doesn't know how to handle her exuberance, her love of life, her compassion for humanity. He is appalled, yet entranced. He sends her away; he draws her close. He hates her... he loves her.

As his torment and indecision escalate, the play's tension becomes almost unbearable. Told through the testimony of witnesses at his trial, the story of Sister Rita's murder unfolds. The audience despairs and hopes and is ultimately shocked by the revealed horror of the Truth.

Through this thought-provoking, edgy play, director Donald Shenk addresses the question of how God still speaks to contemporary society.

"The Runner Stumbles" plays Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 pm, Sundays at 3:00 pm, now through May 4, 2008.

General admission is $25; students & seniors (65+) are $20.

The Stillspeaking Theatre is a 99-seat Actors Equity venue, sponsored by the San Marino Congregational United Church of Christ.

It is located at 2560 Huntington Drive (at Del Mar) in San Marino, CA 91108. For reservations, call (626) 292-2081.