My Own Take: Off-Broadway's 'The Saviors' Is a Blessing

The show: “The Saviors” by Bubba Weiler at off-Broadway’s Atlantic Theater Company

What makes it special?: It’s the sophomore play by a promising new playwright (who wrote the well-received “Well, I’ll Let You Go” last season.)

Two other points that makes it special: The two young teen characters in the play are actually played by two young teens instead of “youthful-looking” actors in their 20s trying to duplicate adolescent gawkiness. The difference is authenticity. That’s always tricky with very young actors but these Ivan Howe and Julius Rinzel are excellent and have (almost) completely succeeded in “owning the stage” and giving their characters a realness while displaying professional acting techniques.

And the second?: The story is set in a church and the Atlantic Theater Company IS in a reconverted church — giving the production a special ambiance. Maybe it was just me but David Zim’s set of a church setting with its sad tan walls and that slightly worn feel — Stacey Derosier’s lighting and Leah Gelpe’s sound contribute to the vibe — was so spot-on that it nearly triggered my Catholic boy anxieties..

What’s it about?: Two teenage altar boys and best buds at a small Midwestern church are on the eve of their confirmation, chatting about tortured saints and deciding on names to choose for their confirmation and their future. But one sees hometown life as just fine in its predestined way; the other, you get the sense of not so much.

As they close up the church after a Mass on a snowy, freezing night, Julian, a distraught homeless man, enters the church and throws himself in prayer at the sanctuary, weeping. Obviously in need of shelter, the slightly older Paul (Rinzel), allows him to stay during the blizzard while 13-year-old Michael (Howe) wants Julian (Stanley Simons) — perhaps with addiction issues based on his edgy behavior— to leave so they can lock up.

After that encounter, earnest Michael is swept up in his religious studies for the upcoming confirmation — and looking ahead at the provincial life ahead of him — while the more mature Paul isn’t so certain in his faith, friendship and future. Paul is imagining a larger life beyond the confines of his church and community. There are conflicts on many levels lurking behind the facade of the boys’ horseplay, competitiveness and church rituals. During the course of the 90-minute. intermission-less play, these conflicts increase in their intensity.

In a scene at a church youth group session — where the devoted Michael is the only one who shows up — he intimates to the group’s supervisor Judy (Crystal Finn, terrific) personal feelings that he he grappling with. some of a seemingly intimate nature. He’s not alone in his troubling doubts but Paul’s struggle is even more profound. Where Michael con fides to Judy, Paul confides to the mysterious Julian, a former altar boy who has left his small community and is now seeking his own redemption with god — and others.

Reservations?: Like I said, the young actors hit the mark, mostly —though some of the important dialogue with not-fully-formed voices can sometimes be missed.

It’s a modest play but one that suggests big ideas, just in a spare way — think of Samuel D. Hunter.’s work. But perhaps it’s too spare. The play could come across less slight with Weiler further fleshing out his characters, especially the play’s two older ones. (The character of Julian is especially one-note.and Judy’ story loses its effectiveness in its vagueness.) Too much is left for the audience to fill in and I’m not sure if that suggests a play that is lacking or one that is intentional that doesn't immediately connect with everyone. Either way it left me unfulfilled.

Still, the work is full of little grace notes that somehow have a cumulative effect and lend themselves to after-play rumination, even minus clarity.

Such as?: It’s the less-devout Paul who offers shelter to a stranger in the storm, not the more devout Catholic youth.. (What would Jesus do, after all?) What is the nature of a complicated adolescent friendship? What is the deeper meaning of forgiveness or redemption and anyway who in this play are the saviors (plural)? Who is trying to save who — and why? And do they? God only knows.

Who will like it?: Some Catholics, altar boys and clergy. Non-Catholics, too — the theme of spiritual soul-searching is universal.

Who won’t?: Perhaps some Catholics, but it’s a respectful examination of faith. They just might be troubled by its ambiguousness.

For the kids?: Teens will definitely relate — those of faith, and even those without. Perhaps ‘tweens or even those kids who are a bit younger if they're mature for their age. It’s rare to see themselves authentically represented on stage other than in musicals.

Looking into the future?: The show will have a future life at regional theaters. A Broadway transfer? This is not Bubba’s Broadway time just yet.

Info: The show runs through August. 15 at 336 W. 20th St. www.atlantictheater.org