Mass Appeal

You know you’re seeing great theatre when the audience is invested from the very first scene. Mass Appeal begins with Father Farley (Lee J. Campbell) delivering a “dialogue sermon” on women in the priesthood. He’s interrupted by Mark Dolson (Sean C. Robertson), a principled but tactless young seminary student. As Dolson made his arguments on opening night, the audience concurred in low rumbles. Applause broke out, and continued to happen at the end of the short, snappy scenes that make up this play. Campbell gives a brilliant performance as the older priest whose smooth, folksy exterior covers deep-seated insecurities. Robertson is his perfect foil, bringing real complexity to the young would-be reformer. These characters challenge and change each other, and I don’t think it’s too much of an overstatement to say I felt challenged and changed by this production. —Kate Watson