The first thing that struck me about Bryan Reynolds’ new play was its pseudo-Shakespearean dialogue. That may seem like it would be annoying, but quite the contrary; it was one of the aspects of “Eve’s Rapture” that I found most enjoyable. Everything sounded so antiquated and erudite, yet I still understood it all - this was like Shakespeare for Dummies! Upon their exile from Eden, I kept expecting Adam to Eve to tear their hair and cry “Bani-shed!”

          The play starts off as a relatively pleasant retelling of the Biblical story. The dialogue, as I mentioned, is very quaint and well-penned, and there were a couple of very amusing moments, as when we see the sexually inexperienced Adam grappling with the embarrassment of premature ejaculation. Fifteen minutes into the show, I decided that the evening wasn’t going to suck exactly, but neither was it going to particularly sensational. At that point, it seemed that the closest thing we were going to get to a “fresh spin” on this familiar tale was the fact that the angels were wielding Uzis and AK47s. Beyond that, there was little deviation from the Biblical version. And then Satan, played by the wonderfully diabolical Chris Marshall, appeared in the Garden of Eden, and seduced Eve into eating from the Tree of Knowledge. And then he seduced Eve, period. As Eve was being brought by Satan to heights of ecstatic passion she was unable to attain with the unexciting Adam, I realized that this was not how I remembered the story. Having been lulled into a false confidence that I knew exactly where this show was heading, I was delightedly surprised by the unexpected plot developments following the seduction of Eve.

          And what an Eve! Played by Kendra Smith, this is certainly not the Eve from the Bible. This Eve kicks ass! God gave her free will, and she chooses to exercise that free will by returning to Eden after her banishment, armed with all manner of weaponry and depopulating the angelic residents. This Eve is more akin to Lara Croft Tomb Raider than the silly, gullible creature depicted in the Book of Genesis. Smith, with her background in martial arts, was perfect for this feisty role.

          Ultimately, “Eve’s Rapture” far surpassed my initial expectations. There were a few spots where the pace grew somewhat sluggish, and some of the expository information could’ve been cut (given that even tree-worshipping heathens in the remotest jungles are familiar with this story – there really is no need for so much exegesis). Furthermore, I’m not entirely convinced that the three or four musical numbers served to enhance the show, although both Adam (Ryan Patrick Welsh) and Eve had pleasant enough voices. All in all, however, I left the theater happy that I’d just seen a show both original and entertaining. I fell in love with the characters of Eve and Satan, and I found the philosophical issues raised intriguing and provocative. It’s always bothered me that a God so allegedly “perfect” should be the source of beauty, but also ugliness; purity, as well as sin. Why would He create Lucifer when He already foresaw the inevitable betrayal? “Eve’s Rapture” attempts to answer this question, in a tone of religious irreverence that is sure to delight more open-minded audiences - but could potentially be offensive to some others, so audience discretion is advised.

          The Hayworth is a charming mid-sized theater where patrons can chill during the intermission with a glass of wine or beer from concessions. Valet parking is $7.00.

“EVE’S RAPTURE”

May 22^nd – June 27^th, 2009

Fridays & Saturdays @ 8pm

Sundays @ 7pm

The Hayworth Theater

2511 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90057

Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at box office

For reservations call (323) 960-7721 or online: www.plays411.com/evesrapture