A miracle in South Fallsburg

‘Agnes Of God’ revives the Rivoli Theatre

By JONATHAN FOX

SOUTH FALLSBURG, NY — The Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop (SCDW) in residence at the Rivoli Theatre, has (in my humble opinion) created a miracle. Not only has the organization completely revamped the theatre, but in choosing to produce “Agnes Of God,” the company has given birth to a new life of creativity and restored my faith in community theatre, right here in the Catskills.

In the spring of 1982, I had the good fortune to see John Pielmeir’s gripping and thought-provoking play in its original incarnation at the Music Box Theatre in New York City, which starred Amanda Plummer, Elizabeth Ashley and Geraldine Page. That production was stunning. The play was later adapted for the screen and starred Meg Tilly, Jane Fonda and Anne Bancroft.

Never in my wildest dreams would I have suspected that SCDW’s director, Lori Schneider-Wendt, could even come close to mounting a local production, with local talent, that would rival Broadway’s hugely successful presentation. Apparently, I did not have the necessary faith to believe that it could be done. I was mistaken. Not only was director Schneider-Wendt up to the task, she managed to find three actors who were also prepared to work hard and make it work.

Marissa Cohen, Evelyn Albino and Annie Hat (as Agnes, Dr. Martha Livingstone and Mother Miriam Ruth, respectively) clearly recognize the depth of Pielmeir’s words. The play is often disturbing, enlightening and peppered with electrifying dialog that keeps the audience riveted. I can only imagine the rehearsal process and how difficult it must have been, given that the work itself is so engrossing.

According to the director’s notes, this is “A play of the mind and of miracles. It is a play of light and shadows in which the scenes flow one into another without pause.”

Pielmeir’s play, based on an actual event that occurred in the 1970s in Brighton, NY, just outside of Rochester, gives the observer great pause.

Is it possible that a modern day miracle really did take place, cloistered in that nunnery, tucked away from society? The question hangs in the air throughout the story and brings to light many more questions in its wake regarding the Catholic church, the separation of church and state and the state of mind of the novice nun in question.

Even the title itself is a “play on words” (the Latin phrase Agnus Dei translates as “Lamb of God”) and the story revolves around the three very distinct characters. Novice Agnes believes that she is the recipient of an immaculate conception and Marissa Cohen, who is presently a junior at Ellenville High School, approaches the role with a mature understanding that belies her tender age. Her incredible, angelic voice soars as the actress interprets this extremely demanding role. Cohen tears up the stage and matches the other actors, note for note, without missing a beat. An inspired and emotionally gut-wrenching performance worthy of high praise, indeed.

Equally impressive, Evelyn Albino as psychiatrist Dr. Livingstone bares her soul to the Mother Superior- and the audience as she tackles this difficult character. Haunted by her own personal demons, the Doctor has to reach deep into her own psyche, not only to uncover the truth behind the mystery, but to heal herself through the process. Albino must run a gamut of emotions on stage in order to discover the hidden truth in her personal journey as she attempts to help the suffering girl with the angelic voice.

Annie Hat, as Mother Miriam, is no stranger to the stage and displays a tremendous range in her powerhouse interpretation of the troubled, secretive Mother Superior. Intense, disturbing and even sometimes amusing, Hat’s performance is alarmingly good. The demanding role is not easy to accomplish and Hat does so seamlessly, breathing real life into yet another troubled and complex character.

I hesitate to elaborate on the story line, mainly because this show should be seen by everyone. Since the theatre has undergone an incredible transformation, it is a perfect opportunity to experience this production in its glory, housed in the historic art deco masterpiece that has risen, through tremendous efforts on the part of all concerned at the SCDW, from the proverbial ashes and is once again shining like a jewel at 437 Route 42, South Fallsburg.

Performances run through September 27. For reservations and more information about SCDW call 845/436-5336 or visit scdw.net. Tickets can also be ordered online at ShowTix4U.com.

I urge everyone to experience the miracle that is “Agnes Of God.” My faith restored, I now look forward to so much more from this talented troupe.