Review: 'Hail Mary' Entertainingly Shares Important Message

"Hail Mary" has an important message that it shares in an entertaining way.

"Hail Mary," being presented by Attleboro Community Theatre, is set in a Catholic school and pits a nun in training against thousands of years of sacred tradition.

Mary (Rachel Raposa), a teacher at St. Aloysius, faces the wrath of no-nonsense Mother Regina (Heather Carey) after parents complain about what their children are being taught.

Mary is a sweet, good-natured woman who believes in change, a stance which is anathema to the Catholic Church. It's glaringly apparent that Mary does not belong in such a rigid environment, but she enjoys teaching and wants her students to be able to think for themselves.

Mother Regina sees Mary as a threat and vows to rid the school of her "dangerous ideas."

More drama ensues when Joe (Matt Divoll), a former classmate of Mary's, announces his intention to withdraw his son Charlie from the school. Joe, who is a widower, explains his disdain for religion to Mary.

Joe also happens to be Mother Regina's nephew. She is mortified by the prospect of Joe providing spiritual guidance to the boy, who happens to be her godson. Mother Regina insists that Mary persuade Joe to reconsider his decision.

The core of "Hail Mary" is the interplay between Mary and Mother Regina. Even though they are polar opposites, these women have a deep respect for each other. Carey provides a level of emotional depth to this character which was intriguing.

There's a very telling scene when Mother Regina is mortified when Mary predicts same-sex couples will be able to marry someday. Mary knows that societies evolve, while the Catholic Church resists any type of change.

Director James Sulanowski ("Picasso at the Lapin Agile"), working from Tom Dudzick's script, handles the shifts from comedy to drama smoothly, and allows his performers to shine.

Raposa is an engaging and likable presence as Mary struggles to break through years of Catholic teaching and find some solace.

Marissa Marcus ably portrays Mary's confidante Sister Felicia, who is caught up in the battle between the two women.

Bruce Church ("The Man Who Came to Dinner") is amusing as the eccentric Father Stanley, a deeply disenchanted priest being put out to pasture. The older clergyman considers Mary a would-be savior, and tries to convince Mother Regina to keep her in the school.

Religion, particularly Catholicism, has proven to be a compelling subject to explore in popular entertainment. Plays like "Doubt" and "Mass Appeal" have often delivered scathing critiques of the institution.

Dudzick raises some interesting issues in this story. Father Stanley notes the less-than-stellar history of the Catholic Church, including pedophile priests, the Inquisition, and the Holocaust (Stanley tells Mary the priests "looked the other way" during the slaughter of the Jews).

Stanley also values asking questions instead of claiming to know all the answers. Good point, and one all religious leaders should think about.

Mary shows us that true freedom comes from our ability to determine what is right for ourselves, instead of needing to rely on a book or a church. It's an important message, and one "Hail Mary" shares in an entertaining way.

"Hail Mary" runs through May 21. Attleboro Community Theatre. 71 North Main St., Attleboro, MA. For tickets, call 508-226-8100 or visit www.attleborocommunitytheatre.net.