PowPAC’s holiday comedy gets philosophical

PowPAC’s new holiday offering, “Greetings!” is billed as a comedy, but comes across more as a well-acted dramedy that intellectually contemplates issues such as the existence of God and benefits of religion.

The play, which can be seen in the intimate Poway theater through Dec. 13, opens with the typical hubbub of holiday preparations as Phil and Emily Gorski (played by real-life husband and wife Kevin and Susan Bray) get ready for the arrival of their son Andy (Rancho Bernardo High graduate Tamaz Bolkvadze) and his girlfriend Randi (Brandon Kaye Thomas). Helping the couple with the decorating is their intellectually disabled 28-year-old son, Mickey (Tyler Richards Hewes), who has never said more than a few words his entire life.

Phil and Emily are looking forward to Andy’s visit, but have the typical nervousness about meeting his girlfriend for the first time on Christmas Eve. Emily wants everything to be perfect and Phil is his typical grouchy self, preferring to spend time in the basement and when upstairs grumbling about the lack of Christmas spirit in his neighborhood since only four homes are decorated outside.

Tensions quickly increase when the devout Catholic couple learns Randi’s last name is Stein; she was raised Jewish, but is now an atheist; she is actually Andy’s fiancée and the young couple plans to be wed in a courthouse by a justice of the peace instead of by a priest in a Catholic church. These revelations during Christmas Eve dinner lead into a heated discussion about the existence of God and his presence (as Andy believes) or absence (as Randi believes) during their upcoming courthouse ceremony.

In the midst of the arguing, Mickey — whom his mother claims has been acting strange lately — suddenly says “greetings” and then launches into a very intellectual monologue that leads to Emily fainting.

The family then has to decide if Mickey has had some type of breakthrough, his sudden linguistic abilities are due to a miracle, or believe, as Mickey claims, that he is really a centuries old spirit that has entered Mickey’s body to lead the other four adults in some philosophical discussions about their beliefs — or lack of — in order to teach all of them some lessons.

While there are comedic elements throughout, the second act takes on a much more somber tone when long-held secrets are revealed that upend the views those present hold of each other.

All do well in their respective parts, but it is PowPAC newcomer Hewes that steals the show. He makes it appear easy to convincingly switch repeatedly between the childlike innocence of Mickey and the sophisticated intellectual spirit who has no qualms challenging all those present. Hewes does this through facial expressions and physical actions that are kudos-worthy.

The other four — all PowPAC veterans — are also well-suited to their parts and combined present a well-acted ensemble show.

“Greetings!” can be seen at PowPAC, Poway’s Community Theatre, at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, plus 2 p.m. on Sundays through Dec. 13. Tickets are $22 for general admission and $20 for seniors, students and active duty military. Purchase at www.powpac.org or contact the box office at 858-679-8085 or boxoffice@powpac.org.

Prior to the Nov. 20, Dec. 4 and 13 shows, students from The Guitar Aces music school will entertain audience members in the lobby.

The theater, which has brand new seating, is at 13250 Poway Road in the Lively Center. The second-floor venue is accessible by stairs in the front and an elevator in back. Parking is free.