Reviewed by Tony Annicone

Burbage Theatre Company’s second show of their ninth season is “Hand to God” by Robert Askins. It’s the Rhode Island premiere of a dark comedy that not only leaves you laughing but contains strong dramatic moments blended together splendidly by director Kate Kataja. The show also contains perfect and spectacular technical effects. Set in a Lutheran church basement in Texas, “Hand to God” centers on a shy boy, Jason, who lost his father six months ago, and his relationship to his mother, a teacher; the church’s pastor, and two other students, the girl next door and the bully. They are involved with a “puppet” ministry when Jason’s puppet takes on its own persona, a darker side of the boy who speaks some of the thoughts he is keeping bottled up inside him. Askins uses the name Tyrone (based on the Tyrone Family in “A Long Day’s Journey into Night”) for this evil puppet. The main point is the lack of communication between mother and son on the loss of his father which he blames on his mother overfeeding him. These feelings fester into huge misunderstandings between them which leads to things being hammered out after some very dark and troubling occurrences of violence. The brilliance of this five member cast pours out to the audience all night long which wins them many laughs and a spontaneous standing ovation at the close of the show.