Catholic School Girls

Hannah, Marnie, Jessa and Shoshanna could learn a thing or two from Maria, Colleen, Elizabeth and Wanda, the four "frenemies" and stars of Casey Kurtti's bittersweet, amusing and terribly witty satire, "Catholic School Girls," now at 2nd Story Theatre.

Coming of age in the 1960s was undeniably challenging, with the looming threat of communism, the civil rights movement, and Kennedy's assassination, but that's seemingly nothing compared to what goes on between the walls of St. George's School in Yonkers.

If having to wear plaid every day weren't enough, Maria (Lara Hakeem), Colleen (Erin Olson), Elizabeth (Valerie Westgate) and Wanda (Ashley Hunter Kenner) are repeatedly shamed, scolded and browbeaten by nuns (portrayed by the same actresses), who are ruthless at worst and clueless at best, all in the name of Christ.

As the girls mature from first to eighth grade, they face the usual trials and tribulations -- making eyes with boys at the school dance, feminine hygiene, earning admission to a parochial high school -- but their personal lives tend to complicate things further and truly test their faith.

Maria is one of a dozen children who wants to know why her hotheaded father doesn't love her, Elizabeth wonders why life is even worth living after her grandmother dies and Colleen is still recovering from an embarrassing incident when she first got her period. Wanda, meanwhile, proudly admits she just wants to be famous and wear go-go boots.

While the play pokes fun at Catholicism and makes light of the harsh reality these young women have to endure under the watchful eyes of their superiors, the girls share their thoughts with the audience and each other as they mature, gain life experience and question authority.

The 90-minute running time flies by courtesy of Ed Shea's pointed direction and an especially impressive collection of performances.

Westgate is unforgettably fierce as Elizabeth, delivering the show's most thought-provoking monologues, one about Jews going to hell and another about God's existence. Hakeem is gracefully poised as the troubled Maria, who delivers a remarkably candid, dignified recollection of abuse.

Kenner shines brightly and boldly as the incorrigibly pleasant Wanda, and Olson is earnest and exceptional both as high-strung Colleen and the hilarious albeit harsh Sister Mary Lucille.

Regardless of your religion or how you were raised, there's plenty to learn, appreciate and enjoy from the young, developing minds of these "Catholic School Girls."

"Catholic School Girls" runs through April 24 at 2nd Story Theatre Downstage, 28 Market Street in Warren. For information or tickets, call 401-247-4200 or visit www.2ndStoryTheatre.com.