By Katherine Beeson
“The House by the Stable” is traditionally a Christmas play, but Acacia Theatre Company has proved that this is a timeless tale and has done a wonderful job presenting a story that is part play, part allegory, all very entertaining.
A man (Man) is enchanted by a beautiful woman (Pride) and is about to engage in a simple game of dice with Pride’s brother, Hell. Hell is after a misplaced jewel (Man’s Soul) and he engages the unaware Man in rolling for this prize. Before the game finishes a young couple comes, seeking a
place to stay as the woman is about to give birth. Man does not want them in his house but offers them a stable and instructs his man servant (Angel Gabriel) to make them comfortable. Pride and Hell are not happy with this arrangement but Man does not succumb to their temptations and ultimately welcomes the Savior into his home. Pride and Hell return in Act II to find Man and Gabriel are now joined by Grace and Faith in the battle of good versus evil.
This ensemble cast pulls the audience in from the beginning. Of special note – Shannon Nettesheim Klein (Pride) is alluring yet forceful, Jason Will (Hell) is appropriately sinister and Michael D. Delong (Gabriel) is a kind angel who is a bit of a true (may I say this of an angel?) badass. Joshua
Biatch (Man,) Zachary Henke (Joseph and Grace,) Maura Atwood (Mary) and Molly Kempfer (Faith) round out this strong cast.
The show was directed by Elaine Wyler.
There is a talkback session following each performance.
“The House by the Stable” runs through March 17.