Photo Source: Evan Sung
Chuck's occupation should give some clue as to Hunter's eccentricities as a playwright, as should the title collectibles. For those unaware, Precious Moments are Christian figurines, pastel and mostly blond, commemorating the early deaths of children. The brand has also branched out into illustrated Bibles and coloring books.
Karen, a born-again Christian, insists that she visit the Precious Moments Chapel to properly commemorate the death of her hardly beloved husband. So off she troops with her right-wing father-in-law and Bib, who is seriously questioning his faith and proclaims at Jack's memorial service that he agrees with the terrorists who killed his brother. Unfortunately, Hunter's precious script is matched by Kip Fagan's direction, which emphasizes the abrupt writing style and oddball details at the expense of the story.
Things get off to a rocky start with Walsh's baby-girl voice and Bloom's loud, aggressively satirical performance. But once Papaelias appears as the sweet, goofy Chuck, the playwright and director both seem to relax. Even Walsh's bizarre vocal choices begin to seem less abrasive as Hunter explores how the American dream—home-cooked meals, church and football on Sundays—has failed his characters.
There are several uneasy moments, some through faulty writing and direction and some simply because New York audiences may be unused to a play taking Christians this seriously. But Bib's crisis of faith is very real—and treated with a clarity and lack of condescension that is increasingly rare on stage—and Thomas does a remarkable job portraying it without lapsing into mockery. With a stronger directorial hand, Hunter's sad-funny play would seem less precious and more powerful.
Presented by Page 73 Productions as part of Americas Off Broadway at 59E59 Theaters, 59 E. 59th St., NYC. May 26–June 13. Tue. and Wed., 7:30 p.m.; Thu.–Sat., 8:30 p.m.; Sat., 2:30 p.m.; Sun., 3:30 p.m. (212) 279-4200. Casting by Jack Doulin and Jenn Haltman.