As someone who struggles with titles to draw people to my reviews and other content I recognize the temptation of a catchy title. However, one has to be careful not to set audiences up for something one can’t deliver on. Such is the problem facing playwright Samuel D Hunter and his bombastically titled play A Case for the Existence of God that just opened in the Meldrum theatre from Pioneer Theatre Company. That’s not to say this play is bad, it’s actually quite good but the title is frustrating.

A better title for this play would be ‘Toxic Masculinity’ or ‘Two Dudes in America’ or even ‘Mortgage Lending.’ I am sure Hunter has all kinds of reasons why he brings God into the title but it sets up audience for a religious themed show- something that is on the constant minds of Utah residents and then doesn’t deliver hardly at all. I suppose this subversion could be effective in surprising audiences but I just found it frustrating because I was disappointed for no reason.

Anyway, what we do get is a nice friendship story that is quite effective (hence my frustration.) The play is about 2 men Ryan played by Lee Osorio and Keith played by Jon Hudson Odom. Ryan is an alpha redneck male looking to buy a plot of land and Keith is a gay single foster dad who is a mortgage broker trying to help Ryan. We then see their relationship evolve as the lending process proves to be quite lengthy.

Osorio and Odom are excellent in their roles commanding the stage and having a believable chemistry together. The dialogue by Hunter feels authentic and genuine and I was engaged by their discussion. I am glad Hunter kept things as a friendship story as particularly with men I don’t think that relationship is explored enough especially 2 men supporting their roles as fathers.

The production itself is simple and it may have been more at home in a black box (I’m not sure why the Meldrum has only been used for 2-person small productions so far. It’s a great space. Let’s see it used to its potential! Also the chairs in the Meldrum are so comfortable.) Director Timothy Douglas keeps things simple and lets the 2 men do their jobs. The set is an office cubicle which for this remote worker can be nightmare fuel but it is highly relatable and a good choice. There are a few surprises with projections and lighting I won’t spoil towards the end but this is all about our two men (not God) and their friendship. Sometimes simple is best and that’s the case with this play.

In the end in spite of its convoluted title A Case for the Existence of God is a play any theatre lover will enjoy. The acting is excellent and it will make you want to call the Ryans and Keiths in your life to check in and make sure they are doing alright. We all need to take better care of our friends and this is a call to do so. I’d say definitely worth a ticket. A Case for the Existence of God plays through April 12th and tickets can be purchased here.

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