Theater Review: THE SANDWICH MINISTRY (Skylight Theatre)

BUILDING BONDS OVER BREAD AND BUTTER

In the evocative narrative of Miranda Rose Hall‘s The Sandwich Ministry, — which opened last Saturday at Skylight Theatre — the audience is invited to partake in a touching and contemplative journey through the lives of a trio of women, set within the humble confines of a church’s parish hall. This small, progressive, LGBT-affirming Presbyterian church somewhere in America, with its basement steeped in the aromas of bygone bake sales and the echoes of communal camaraderie, becomes the crucible for an intricate exploration of selfhood, kinship, and the fortitude of community. Hall’s masterful storytelling and incisive character portrayals render the play an enriching and multi-layered experience that resonates profoundly.

Maha Chehlaoui, Jayne Taini

The setting, a church basement rendered with verisimilitude by Carolyn Mraz, envelops the audience in an ambiance that is simultaneously cozy and boundless. This hall, a repository of myriad community events, transforms into a metaphorical haven where the characters confront their individual and shared tribulations. Encased within the welcoming arms of a church that boldly proclaims its inclusivity with a rainbow flag, the basement stands in stark relief to the environmental crises and societal tumult outside its walls. Here, diversity is not merely tolerated but celebrated, and every voice finds an audience, irrespective of its volume.

Jordan Hull

Central to the play are Joyce, Hannah, and Claudia, whose lives intertwine within this subterranean sanctuary. Each character is rendered with meticulous attention to detail, their voices distinctive, their journeys compelling.

Joyce, portrayed by stage and TV veteran Jayne Taimi, is the group’s bedrock: a septucontextagenarian embodying tenacity and sagacity. Her presence offers stability, and her arc is one of sustaining belief and purpose amidst a seemingly chaotic world. Joyce’s musings on existence and bereavement introduce a stirring dimension to the story, underscoring the perennial strength derived from communal bonds.

Jordan Hull, Jayne Taini

Hannah, brought to life by the promising young actress Jordan Hull (terrific in Echo Theatre’s Crabs in a Bucket) is the group’s dynamo. Her lesbian identity is central to her character, shaping her worldview and interactions. Hannah’s struggle with the church’s occasionally complacent stance on social justice mirrors the vexations of contemporary young activists. Her vigor and inquisitive nature catalyze much of the play’s tension, challenging the conventions of legitimacy and purposeful living.

Jordan Hull, Maha Chehlaoui

Claudia, portrayed with subtlety by Maha Chehlaoui, is the group’s seeker, perpetually questing for meaning and connection. Her queer identity enriches her character, underscoring the intricacies of her relationship with the church and its congregation. Claudia’s internal struggles and her path to self-acceptance are depicted with grace, rendering her a captivating and relatable presence.

Maha Chehlaoui

Director Katie Lindsay orchestrates the play with finesse, eschewing melodrama and grandiose displays. The Sandwich Ministry shines in its depiction of friendship and the labor involved in nurturing and preserving community. The simple ritual of sandwich-making emerges as a potent emblem of service and unity. These moments are imbued with a sense of mission and fellowship, as the characters unite to support the less fortunate. The sandwiches, destined for those in need, symbolize more than sustenance; they are a palpable manifestation of compassion and communal spirit.

Jayne Taini, Maha Chehlaoui

The script captures the subtleties of female friendship with striking authenticity, weaving together moments of tenderness, discord, and reconciliation that reflect the complexities of sustaining intimate bonds. Hall confronts the adversities these women encounter with unvarnished truthfulness, presenting their struggles and victories with candor. The interplay among Joyce, Hannah, and Claudia serves as a microcosm of the larger community, illustrating the interconnection between personal endeavors and collective strength.

Jordan Hull, Maha Chehlaoui

The Sandwich Ministry transcends its context of sandwich assembly, emerging as a timely meditation on the potency of community in the face of daunting challenges. The backdrop of climate crises and social unrest serves as a sobering counterpoint to the sanctuary of the church basement. Within this modest enclave, Hall reveals the potential for resilience and optimism. The play accentuates the significance of small gestures of kindness and the influence of united action, offering a poignant reflection on the essence of grassroots community formation.

Maha Chehlaoui, Jayne Taini, Jordan Hull

Miranda Rose Hall’s The Sandwich Ministry stands as a testament to the power of nuanced storytelling and profound character development. The play offers an insightful examination of identity, friendship, and community, set against the backdrop of a small church hall. Through the experiences of Joyce, Hannah, and Claudia, Hall weaves a compelling story of endurance and aspiration. The play serves as an encouraging reminder that, even amidst formidable adversities, the endeavors of individuals and communities can forge significant transformations. In The Sandwich Ministry, we encounter a tale that is both intensely personal and universally relevant, affirming the indomitable spirit of human connection.

Please note that this is a low-key play, and may not appeal to audiences seeking laugh-out-loud comedy, action, or high-stakes drama. However, those who are looking for a heartwarming story about community in difficult times will likely find this play deeply enjoyable.

Of note: The cast prepares sandwiches every night on stage, which are then distributed to organizations serving the homeless — a truly commendable and uplifting initiative that adds an extra layer of genuineness and social impact to the show.

photos by Seth Dorcey

The Sandwich Ministry
Skylight Theatre, 1816 1/2 North Vermont Ave.
run-time 75 minutes (no intermission)
Fri & Sat at 8:30; Sun at 3; Mon at 7:30 (dark June 3 & 10)
ends on July 7, 2024
for tickets ($20-$42), call 213.761.7061 or visit Skylight