100 Saints You Should Know

Themes of spirituality and faith are intelligently explored in Kate Fodor's gripping and affecting drama, in which the paths of five characters cross, sparking a serendipitous fusion of human connection and profound self-reflection. Director Lindsay Allbaugh adeptly helms the West Coast premiere of Fodor's 2007 play. In this consummate production, sharp and sensitive performances and spare but evocative designs elicit a subtly haunting experience.

Moments of sly humor alternate with achingly melancholy scenes, as an Irish-Catholic priest, Matthew (Brendan Farrell), on leave from his parish, visits his controlling widowed mother, Colleen (Pamela Roylance in a wonderfully nuanced portrayal). Theresa (Cheryl Huggins), an unwed mother who is a maid at the priest's rectory, pays a surprise visit to Colleen's house to deliver a book, but it becomes apparent that her true motive is to pursue discussions of spirituality with the priest. Meanwhile, Theresa's rebellious 16-year-old daughter (vividly portrayed by Kate Huffman) meets a closeted local delivery boy (Marco Naggar) who indulges in alcohol. Events occur that bring all the characters closer, forcing each to examine his or her innermost beliefs and fears.

In a difficult role that depends heavily on depicting repressed emotions, Farrell is marvelous. We know from the outset that the priest is troubled, though we're initially unsure why. The actor skillfully maintains our interest in the low-key scenes, forging a credible transition when the character opens up to reveal his spiritual confusion. Huggins gives an eloquent portrait of a kindhearted woman attempting to move beyond past mistakes, making aggressive moves to connect meaningfully with others. Naggar delivers a heart-wrenching portrayal, capturing the gawky self-consciousness and inner turmoil of the eager kid, mastering the role's physical and emotional challenges. His memorable turn sets the play's quiet but powerful resolution into motion.

Jeffrey Eisenmann's inspired set design, a fragmentary representation of Colleen's home and other locales, provides a properly ethereal ambiance, an effect that's matched by Joel Daavid's lighting, Louis Douglas Jacobs' costumes, and Peter Bayne's original music and sound effects.

Presented by the Elephant Theatre Company at the Elephant Space, 6322 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. May 27–June 26. Fri.–Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m. (877) 369-9112. www.elephanttheatrecompany.com.