The regional premiere of Robert Askins’ provocative “Hand to God” offers equal parts raunchy fun and bloody drama. That may surprise those who’ve heard only about the hilarity of the foul-mouthed sock puppet at the show’s center.
Or the puppet sex.
There’s more to it, of course. In a Texas church basement, where a Christian ministry rehearses a puppet show and a shy teen named Jason is learning to express himself, the forces of propriety and uncontrolled animal instinct do battle when Jason’s puppet takes on a life of his own.
As he performs a version of the old Abbott and Costello “Who’s-on-first” routine, Jason’s dark, libido-driven self emerges in the form of Tyrone. Jason is as surprised and disturbed by Tyrone’s irreverent, expletive-filled rants as anyone.
From there itap id versus superego to the point of absurdity.The warring aspects of the psyche play out as a few issues are (literally) hammered home. The simple-minded use of religion as a way to reign in base human impulses, the need for connection versus unbridled aggression, the lure and fear of sexuality, the power of shame, the hypocrisy of the devout … .
Meanwhile, in entertainment terms, a battle rages between comedy and horror, each not so subtly aiming for shock value.
Currently among the most produced plays around the country, “Hand to God” is a modern mashup of forms that requires some deconstructing. The local production is slyly directed by Dee Covington with expert contributions from the props department. The tone is discomfiting as it ramps up, pushing rudeness as a way to strip away norms and look deeper. A Satanic hand puppet, after all, can get away with saying anything.
The devil made him do it: as Tyrone overpowers Jason, his repressed side flowers and all manner of lust and violence is unleashed. The audience is encouraged to reflect on the pain that lurks behind the public face we present to the world.
This duality is made explicit by the dual consciousness admirably depicted by John Hauser as Jason/Tyrone. Making no attempt at ventriloquism, Hauser nimbly switches voices and personas between the two, teen and puppet, as they argue, sometimes violently. Before long, as Tyrone casually smoothes back his fluffy hair, you can’t help but see him as a separate being, a shocking and magically animated individual.
Jenna Moll Reyes is engaging as Jessica, the girl next door and object of Jason’s affections. Tara Falk crackles with over-the-top anxious energy as Jason’s mom, Margery. John Jurcheck conveys lusty teen angst and Michael McNeill provides bombast and flirtation as Pastor Greg. But Hauser’s vigorous performance is the obvious highlight.
IF YOU GO
Hand to God *** (three stars)
By Robert Askins. Directed by Dee Covington. With John Hauser, Tara Falk, Michael McNeill, John Jurcheck and Jenna Moll Reyes. At Curious Theatre, 1080 Acoma Street, Denver, through Dec. 17. Tickets at or 303-623-0524.
