Theater review: Crises of faith, funds in topical ‘Storefront Church’

A vacant laundry becomes the moral crucible for competing interests in a financially depressed Bronx borough in John Patrick Shanley’s “Storefront Church,” making its L.A. area premiere at NoHo Arts Center.

Following “Doubt” and “Defiance,” this is the concluding play in Shanley’s “Church and State” trilogy exploring ethical dilemmas at the intersection of institutional politics and individual responsibility. Although the piece lacks the tight focus and precision of “Doubt,” there’s no mistaking Shanley’s unique ability to illuminate complexities underlying topical issues.

The subject under scrutiny here is the mortgage crisis and its associated moral quandaries. Deeply religious Jessie (Johnnett Kent, the show’s standout performer) has fallen behind on her loan payments for the former laundry space she wants to convert into a neighborhood ministry (hence the play’s title).

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The fate of her mission lies in conflicted hands: an ambitious local politician (Aris Alvarado) with divided loyalties between his community and financial interests that can advance his career; a physically and psychologically damaged loan officer (Ed Dyer); and the church preacher (Steven Stanton) paralyzed by a crisis of faith.

With the exception of a cartoonishly rapacious bank exec (Charles Hoyes) unsubtly munching on a gingerbread house, Shanley’s characters grapple with complex moral ambiguity.

At times, their changes of heart are improbably abrupt, but for the most part Ronnie Marmo’s smoothly paced staging evokes sympathetic, clearly defined portraits from his 68 Cent Crew ensemble. More problematically, much of the play’s dialogue favors oratory flourish over naturalistic conversation, and striking a credible balance throughout proves elusive.

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“Storefront Church,” NoHo Arts Center, 11136 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays. Ends Dec. 21. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. (323) 960-5068 or www.theatre68.com. Running time: 2 hours.