Theater Review: 'Agnes of God' provides some drama at Manatee Players

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Since the Manatee Performing Arts Center opened in 2013, the Manatee Players has struggled to find a groove and the right mix for the its intimate Bradenton Kiwanis Studio Theatre.

From  left, Alice Cotman, Amy Woerner and Lynne Doyle in "Agnes of God" at Manatee Players. Photo provided by Manatee Players.

From left, Alice Cotman, Amy Woerner and Lynne Doyle in "Agnes of God" at Manatee Players. Photo provided by Manatee Players.

It’s a black box theater with flexible seating arrangements for 80-100 people, and has housed some small musicals and mostly light comedies. But many of the shows have looked ragged, as if not enough effort was put into them.

Now comes John Pielmeier’s “Agnes of God,” a penetrating and thought-provoking drama about the conflict between faith and science and the possibility of miracles, and the results are decidedly stronger.

Though there were some problems with forgotten lines and long pauses on opening night, this production has clearly been staged by Candace Artim with care and passion for the material. And it is performed, for the most part, by actors who are equally committed.

The story deals with a psychiatrist's investigation into the death of a baby delivered by an innocent young nun who has blocked all memory of the event, and the doctor’s conflicts with a Mother Superior who wants to protect the novice’s sense of purity.

Lynn Doyle plays Mother Miriam Ruth in the Manatee Players production of "Agnes of God." Photo provided by Manatee Players

Lynn Doyle plays Mother Miriam Ruth in the Manatee Players production of "Agnes of God." Photo provided by Manatee Players

The play features three strong roles, though the audiences gets just two compelling performances.
Lynne Doyle is the compassionately cantankerous Mother Miriam Ruth, who is afraid that the doctor is going to destroy Agnes.

“I know what you are. You’re a surgeon and I don’t want that mind cut open,” the Reverend Mother warns the doctor.

After meeting Agnes, played by a radiant Amy Woerner, you quickly understand why. Dressed in an all-white habit, she conveys the look of innocence, which carries through her graceful movement, her light and worried speaking voice and the beautiful sounds she creates while singing hymns.

Agnes has blocked out what happened the night the baby was found in a wastebasket, and she has no idea of how she might have become pregnant. Does she understand anything about sex? Or, as the Mother Superior suggests, maybe it was an immaculate conception.

The doctor, played by Alice Cotman, deals with her own turmoil about the Church, having lost a sister years ago after she joined a convent. But she is a scientist, at heart, and she needs proof and solid answers. She can’t just trust or believe. Or can she?

Amy Woerner plays the title character in the Manatee Players production of "Agnes of God." Photo provided by Manatee Players.

Amy Woerner plays the title character in the Manatee Players production of "Agnes of God." Photo provided by Manatee Players.

In her fitted dark suit (designed by Georgina Willmott), Cotman looks like the professional she’s playing, and she has the right aura. But she lacks a confidence with her lines to really do battle with the strong-willed nun played by Doyle. She’s no match, which she needs to be. Instead, there is hesitancy in her delivery, particularly in the doctor’s extended monologues, which sound more like recitations than conversation.

But when they’re in rhythm, all three actresses drive an emotionally charged story on Ralph Nurmela’s relatively simple but impactful set. It features white wood chairs and swags of white fabric draped from the rafters, on which are reflected stained glass windows and a glowing cross. Patrick Bedell’s lighting also helps keep things in focus.

Despite some missteps, the play still delivers some of the punch that has been missing in previous Studio Theatre productions.

THEATER REVIEW
AGNES OF GOD
By John Pielmeier. Directed by Candace Artim. Reviewed Feb. 19, Manatee Performing Arts Center Kiwanis Studio Theatre, 502 3rd Ave., West, Bradenton. Through March 8. Tickets are $26, $15 for teachers and $13 for students. For more information: 748-5875; manateeperformingartscenter.com.

THEATER REVIEW
AGNES OF GOD
By John Pielmeier. Directed by Candace Artim. Reviewed Feb. 19, Manatee Performing Arts Center Kiwanis Studio Theatre, 502 3rd Ave., West, Bradenton. Through March 8. Tickets are $26, $15 for teachers and $13 for students. For more information: 748-5875; manateeperformingartscenter.com.
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Jay Handelman

Jay Handelman is the theater and television critic for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, where he has worked since 1984. He also is President of the Foundation of the American Theatre Critics Association and a two-time past chairman of the association's executive committee. He can be reached by email or call (941) 361-4931. Follow him at @jayhandelman on Twitter. Make sure to "Like" Arts Sarasota on Facebook for news and reviews of the arts.
Last modified: February 20, 2015
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