Cape Playhouse Has A Crowd Pleaser With 'Mass Appeal'

by Michael Lach

Folks strolled the landscaped grounds in a cool evening breeze, through the beckoning doors and finally settled in front of the historic stage that has been graced with the likes of Gregory Peck, Bette Davis, Henry Fonda and Humphrey Bogart. The Cape Playhouse, America's oldest professional summer theater, opened its 76th season with "Mass Appeal," a witty story laced with laughs and stitched with time-honored hang-ups.

Cross the worn, shoe-scuffed threshold of that warm, timberframed theater and step back in time. You can always expect top-notch talent delivering the highest quality performances. In that regard, "Mass Appeal" certainly fits the playbill.

Some of the most engaging Playhouse productions have centered on the chemistry between two well-developed, entirely convincing characters. "Mass Appeal" focuses on alter-egos philosophically at odds and yet bonded by the passion of preaching.

Malachy McCourt plays Father Tim Farley, a seasoned, portly priest who has created a comfortable niche with his St. Francis congregation. Mark Dolson, a young upstart student played by Jason Wiles, turns Farley's cozy world upside down with rebellious religious ideals and radical sermons.

Of course, what follows is a series of thoughtful meetings and all-out clashes between Father Farley and his new found pupil. Silver-haired, red-faced, wine-swilling Farley refers to Mark as a creature akin to James Dean, a religious celibate rebel looking for a cause. Meanwhile, Dolson harps on his teacher's tendency to placate parishioners rather than actually help them heal in a healthy way.

In the past, both actors have assembled quite a collage of theatrical accomplishments. Malachy McCourt has just finished appearing in five movies, plays a part in an on-going HBO series and continues his writing career as well. You may be familiar with Malachy's New York Times bestseller, "A Monk Swimming," and his latest memoir, "Singing My Him Song."

Jason Wiles is no stranger to acting either. In fact, tune into NBC's award winning drama, "Third Watch," and you can see Wiles in action. He has appeared in a few movies, starred regularly on "Beverly Hills 90210" and makes his stage debut in "Mass Appeal."

Malachy McCourt shines with his tongue-in-jowl humor and Jason Wiles struts his stuff with authentic attitude. Father Farley's soothing accent and natural gestures somehow complement his student's angst ridden, fist-clenching penchant for pushing the envelope.

Most women were probably struck by the heart throb good looks of Jason Wiles. For some reason my wife seemed most impressed by Malachy's bright white bushy brow highlighting his mischievous Irish eyes. Fortunately for me, he's probably in his 60s and has been married for 35 years.

If a heathen like myself, who had very little childhood church training, could understand religious references and holy humor, then anyone will get a kick out of this show. "Mass Appeal" makes us think hard and laugh even harder with its light-hearted looks at how we cope with soul-stifling traditions and heartwarming relationships.