Two very old-style Southern Catholic sisters don't stop an ultra-evangelical young Protestant sect proselytizer from trying to convert them. Divorcee Mary (impressive Lisa McMillan), who obtains status from her religion and parish, had at first slammed the door against Lindsey Wochley's missionary fervor as Melissa. But she stubbornly returned to confuse mousey spinster Margaret (Susan Greenhill, involving and involved), who took a liking to her.
Accepting, sheltered Margaret seems never to have heard Melissa's arguments against "what Catholics believe" and how that all constitutes superstition, errors, satanic paganism. In short, Melissa claims Catholics won't be saved. She's going to return with proofs and panaceas.
Without letting him know what's in store, Mary plans to unleash her unsuspecting parish priest on Melissa after a customary weekly dinner with the sisters. An expert on apologetics, church history, and the Bible, Father Murphy (Sheffield Chastain, at first subtle, finally commanding) makes each woman realize the demands of their faith. How this happens is as humorous as it is seriously engaging. Director Kate Alexander sees to it that the mixes come over with exactly the right strength and believability.
Mary and Margaret's cozy home may be a bit overdone, even for devout Catholics, with religious pictures and statues. But April Soroko's other design -- of costumes -- rates as unimpeachably attractive and indicative of character. Father Murphy, for instance, dresses for casual comfort. Melissa looks cute-seductive. No problems with David M. Upton's lighting design.
One might wish the author via Father Murphy had answered all of Melissa's charges, not hard to do because most are so outlandish. And there is an important distinction to be made between divine law and institutional law. Overall, however, Evan Smith has produced an enjoyable laugh-and-thought provoking play.
