On Theater: An enthralling journey at SCR

Almost certainly, the most pressing question on mankind’s mind from the dawn of time has concerned the hereafter. What happens when we die? Is there a heaven where we’re reunited with those who have predeceased us, or is death just the end, period?

Playwright Bekah Brunstetter attempts to clarify this quandary in her intriguing and highly entertaining “Going to a Place where you Already Are,” currently receiving its world premiere at South Coast Repertory. It’s calculated to engage you, no matter your personal beliefs.

Beautifully and imaginatively staged by SCR’s artistic director, Marc Masterson, Brunstetter’s premise is easily digested. “Place” focuses on an elderly, loving couple whose long marriage is threatened by her terminal illness. She’s prepared to accept it, but he’s far less inclined.

On the fringe of this lightly morbid exercise are the old fellow’s granddaughter, her wheelchair-bound lover and a ubiquitous angel who eases the woman’s transition.

Quite fortunately for SCR, the key roles of the elderly couple are assigned to two superb actors with tons of credits at the Costa Mesa theater — Linda Gehringer and Hal Landon Jr. Their skillful interplay greases the wheels of the already brief production.

Gehringer endows her fragile character with heart and sinew, valiantly resisting her husband’s efforts to advocate for treatment. She has, she insists, visited the other side and enjoyed it (and we share her journey). It’s a marvelous depiction of a woman coming to terms with mortality.

Landon, SCR’s resident Scrooge in the seasonal production, handles the role of the confused and frustrated husband with heart-wrenching angst. His atheistic attitude clashes mightily with her newfound beliefs, and the conflict between these two loving oldsters is achingly portrayed.

As the granddaughter, Rebecca Mozo paints a believable picture of modern youth, striving to connect with her “substitute” grandmother. Christopher Thornton is strong as her potential other half, infirm in mobility but not sexuality (they’re first seen in bed together).

The play’s fifth character is billed as “an angel,” but he’s of far more importance as the story unfolds. Stephen Ellis plays this celestial character (and others) with a wry and constantly upbeat countenance, joyfully revealing his true identity in a key moment.

Michael B. Raiford’s simple settings come and go with precision, and Christina Wright’s costumes fill the bill nicely. Sound and lighting duties are skillfully executed by Vincent Oliveri and Tom Ontiveros, respectively.

Answering history’s biggest question may be impossible, but “Going to a Place where you Already Are” presents a solution a good many of us could accept. It’s a banquet for the mind and heart at South Coast Repertory.

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IF YOU GO

What: “Going to a Place where you Already Are”

Where: South Coast Repertory’s Julianne Argyros Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa

When: 7:45 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays until March 26

Cost: Tickets start at $22

Information: (714) 708-5555