Grand Concourse

Now that we have devolved into a world of "Alternative Facts," in seems only fitting that someone should present a play where things are not always what they seem and what is "right" is not always the obvious choice.

The play in question is "Grand Concourse" by Heidi Schreck currently playing at Speakeasy Stage. It is a somewhat uneven, but touching play about faith and forgiveness.

In it, we meet a nun -- Shelley -- who runs a soup kitchen in the Bronx but is struggling with her faith. Enter Emma, a young woman recently kicked out of college and needing something to help her put her life back together. Reluctant to trust volunteers that often rarely last a full day, Shelley ultimately lets Emma stay and is surprised when she continues to return.

Things are going well until Emma behavior becomes somewhat off-putting to Shelley. Against Shelley's instructions, she begins to try and assist one of the kitchen's emotionally disturbed regulars, Frog, who while normally good natured has also had violent outbursts. In addition, she starts taking the good-natured (but not serious) flirting with Oscar the handyman a bit too seriously.

Ultimately, things hit a breaking point and Shelley's faith and ability to forgive it pushed to the limit.

The strength of the script is Ms. Schreck's dialogue. The show is structured mostly as a series of vignettes and short scenes which at times can make for a rather disjointed experience. However within the scenes, the dialogue flows effortlessly from these characters. In part, this is due to the outstanding cast that director Bridget Kathleen O'Leary as assembled.

The core of the show is brought by another outstanding performance by Melinda Lopez as Shelley. Ms. Lopez talent for playing "women of silent desperation" is unmatched. No matter how conflicted Shelley becomes, you can always see that one small glimmer of hope that keeps her going.

Ally Dawson as Emma gives a confident and believable performance. Emma like many of her generation is emotionally detached and unable to fully reconcile that her actions have very real consequences. Ms. Dawson manages to portray this disaffection without alienating the audience.

Alejandro Simoes is charming and lovable as the somewhat naive Oscar. It's a deceptively difficult role due to its total normality -- Oscar is just a good man trying his best in life. But Simoes pulls it off without ever becoming saccharin. And Boston legend, Thomas Derrah, provides a humorous and heartwarming turn as Frog, the homeless man in which Emma takes a specific interest.

All of this is supported by an exceptional set and lighting design by Jenna McFarland Lord and Karen Perlow, respectively.

"Grand Concourse" runs through April 1 at the Roberts Studio Theatre, Calderwood Pavilion, Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont Street, Boston, MA. For more information, visit the SpeakEasy Stage website.