The Word
Reviewed by Lovell Estell III
Three Clubs (Hollywood Fringe Festival)
Through June 23
It could well be that sometime in the future inner-city churches and preachers of the “prosperity” gospel will take a cue from Rev. Johnson for ideas about making the mysteries of the Good Book more accessible to the masses, or as he says,” translating the Bible into a language every motherfucker could understand.”
Welcome to the noon hour early bird service at the First Church of the Holy Homeboy, pastored by the raucously funny and profane Reverend Johnson (Victor Isaac), who steps onstage to the podium, outfitted in the appropriate pastoral robe — and after praising the pre-service gospel music, apologizes for being late because he was out “spreading the word at the club with some big booty freaks,” after one too many Tanqueray and tonics.
Today’s sermon opens with an outrageously funny lecture on friendship and its various levels, and then moves on with an explanation about why “Jesus is my nigga,” explained in an even funnier manner by way of his unique, profanity-laced interpretation of the wine to water miracle at the Marriage of Cana. He is equally outrageous in his recounting of Genesis, where he relates what really went on with Adam and why Eve was created, which he ends with the admonition “be careful what you wish for.” The Rev gets down and dirty throughout this hour-long show, and though the Lord may take offense, the congregation seemed to love it.
And it’s not all about the naughty and nasty. There is a somewhat more serious story told when Isaac strips off his robe and channels the Rev’s terminally wayward, criminally inclined, always bullshitting son LeShaun, whom we first meet at his latest parole board hearing. LeShaun is one of those offenders who has a solid explanation or excuse for everything, and whose signature refrain is “it wasn’t my fault” — his latest offense being that he accidentally stabbed his boss. The Rev has written a humorous letter in support of LeShaun’s parole, and after his release, we learn about the specifics of their relationship: how the good Rev himself was not always good, how bad choices can impact on family, and, ultimately, how necessary and powerful is forgiveness.
Most of what is offered here is entertaining and funny, although there are some dull and awkward patches that emerge occasionally. J.J. Mayes directs.
Three Clubs, 1123 Vine St., Hollywood: performance times vary; through June 23. www.Hollywoodfringe.org/projects/5248. Running time: one hour.
