A comedically divine intervention
David Javerbaum’s comedy ‘An Act of God’ is at Bucks County Playhouse through June 16
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
You know things are bad when even God wants to jet off to a new universe. Thankfully, he’s left a revamped set of Ten Commandments to (hopefully) get us through the next few millennia.
Penned by 13-time Emmy Award-winner David Javerbaum (The Daily Show), An Act of God has made its way from Broadway to help Bucks County Playhouse kick off its 2018–2019 season. Running through June 16, the witty comedy brings new meaning to the phrase “divine intervention” as the pastel-clad God reboots his outdated commandments to suit the modern world.
An Act of God is based on Javerbaum’s 2011 book The Last Testament: A Memoir by God, and his Twitter account @TheTweetofGod, which boasted more than 2 million followers before he discontinued the feed in 2016. Directed by Tracy Bridgen, the show stars Harry Bouvy (Wicked, Spamalot, The Producers) as God, alongside Ashley D. Kelley and Joe Kinosian, who play archangels Michael and Gabriel.
Upon stepping on the BCP stage, Bouvy instantly exudes the dynamic presence expected of an all-powerful being. But instead of the flowing white robes and gleaming aura that’s so often depicted, Bouvy’s portrayal hilariously meshes the sass and humor of every late-night talk show host.
“Here in Bucks County, I’m a middle-aged bald guy who slightly resembles Stanley Tucci,” he tells the audience.
Donning a crisp white suit and sky-blue shirt and tie, God explains he has returned to Earth to gift his people an updated set of the Ten Commandments. Why?
“I’m not some one list wonder,” he says.
During the 75-minute run time of An Act of God, Bouvy takes BCP audiences through each commandment, sharing behind-the-scenes stories of “what really happened” before revealing the 2018 version. Aside from the first commandment “Thou shalt have no other gods before me,” which Bouvy’s overly-confident version of God leaves unchanged, the remaining nine are reworded to tackle 21st century issues.
For example, his new second commandment forbids people to tell others whom to love. With the help of Kinosian as archangel Gabriel, who provides perfectly timed interjections and mood setting music on the keyboard, God recaps the “real” story of Adam and Eve.
There was no Eve, but rather a hunk named Steve. He explains the two lived happily until a closeted snake tempted them into eating an apple from the forbidden tree. After doing so, Adam and Steve felt shameful about their lifestyle, and God was forced to turn Steve into a woman.
“I’m not homophobic,” he says. “You’re all smiteable.”
Other mistranslations are touched upon including the story of Noah, whom God told to bring two puppies aboard his boat, not two of every animal; and Abraham, whom God nearly forced to murder his son Isaac out an inappropriate feeling of jealousy.
God also establishes rules concerning everyday sayings such as “God bless you” and “God dammit” in the seventh commandment, “Thou shalt not tell me what to do.” This includes prayers, which he stresses have all been filed away to be answered at a later date. Don’t rush him.
“There’s a procedure. Fill out the paperwork,” he says.
An Act of God takes a bit of a darker turn by the eighth commandment, “Thou shalt honor thy children.” Bouvy’s acting chops shine through as he recounts Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross for everyone’s sins, including God’s. It’s truly an emotional, proud dad moment.
This is a standout scene for Kelley as well, whose role, up to this point, is annoying God with questions about evolution and other taboo topics. Kelley bolts onto the stage, demanding answers as to why there’s suffering and death and awful events like 9/11 and the Holocaust. Though she gets bit off topic, questioning why the last five Adam Sandler films exist, God finally has an answer for her — he made mankind in his image, and he’s not exactly the nicest spirit around.
Commandment nine tugs at the heartstrings — “Thou shalt not believe in me.” God realizes his creations may be better off without him, so he calls on Steve Jobs to craft Universe 2.0, an all-new interfaith with no death, disease or destruction.
“It shows what happens when you put in more than six days work on a project,” he says.
Rather than obliterating his original universe, God wants a clean break. Despite his sarcasm throughout An Act of God, he believes humanity is capable of continuing without him. During a catchy farewell number of “I Have Faith in You,” God unveils the final commandment, “Thou shalt believe in thyself.”
An Act of God is far from your traditional show with its unique plotline and cleverly dark humor, all taking place on a talk show-esque set. Still, even the most devoutly faithful are sure to let out a chuckle or two.
The production plays the following schedule through June 16: Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m., Wednesdays at 2 p.m. (plus an additional evening performance Wednesday, June 13, at 7:30 p.m.), Thursdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Single tickets range from $40-$75. Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more. Season ticket packages are still available. For details and to purchase tickets, visit buckscountyplayhouse.org, call 215–862–2121 or visit the box office at 70 S. Main St. in New Hope. ••
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
