IS IT REALLY HUMAN TO FORGIVE?
Dezart Performs’ Grand Concourse—which opened on Friday—is a stunning interpretation of Heidi Schreck’s (What the Constitution Means to Me) introspective, emotionally rich drama about faith, service, and the limits of forgiveness. Set in a Bronx church’s soup kitchen, the play follows Shelley, a nun grappling with a crisis of faith, whose steady routine is upended by Emma, a bright but impulsive young volunteer who stirs up unexpected tensions and revelations. What begins as a simple story of charity soon deepens into a raw meditation on human connection, moral ambiguity, and the sometimes painful reality that good intentions don’t always lead to good outcomes.
E.M. Davis, Chris Carranza, Eliza Newman
Schreck’s writing—at once poetic and grounded—does not offer solutions to the moral dilemmas it presents, instead allowing its characters to struggle with their own contradictions and failings. The dialogue feels organic, unforced, and the relationships between the characters evolve authentically.
Eliza Newman, Chris Carranza
The weighty themes are brought to life by an outstanding cast. Eliza Newman delivers a commanding and layered performance as Shelley, portraying a woman caught between duty and doubt with quiet intensity. Her internal conflict is palpable, particularly in moments of silence where the weight of her uncertainty lingers.
Eliza Newman, Tia Laulusa
As Emma, Tia Laulusa infuses the character with an irresistible mix of charm and volatility. One moment warm and idealistic, the next reckless and self-serving, there’s an unpredictability to her presence that keeps the other characters—and viewers—on edge.
As Oscar, the kitchen’s steadfast janitor, Chris Carranza brings much-needed grounding, warmth, contagious energy and joy. The production’s most inspired choice is casting Frog—written as a homeless man—as non-binary, adding another profound layer of urgency and relevance. E.M. Davis brings both levity and quiet poignance to the role, as Frog offers unexpected wisdom.
Tia Laulusa, Eliza Newman
Michael Shaw’s direction keeps the performances front and center, wisely favoring naturalism over theatrical excess. Jimmy Cuomo’s set—a scuffed, well-worn industrial kitchen—feels entirely lived-in. The only misstep is the use of full blackouts between each scene, which interrupts the flow more than it enhances it.
Tia Laulusa
Grand Concourse is a quietly devastating play that lingers long after the final blackout. It challenges us to consider our own capacity for forgiveness. With strong performances and thoughtful direction, this production honors Schreck’s nuanced script, delivering a deeply human story that refuses to offer easy answers—just as Schreck intended.
photos by David A. Lee
Grand Concourse
Dezarts Performs
Pearl McManus Theater
Palm Springs Woman’s Club, 314 S Cahuilla Road in Palm Springs
90 minutes without intermission
Fri at 7; Sat and Sun at 2 and 7
ends on March 9, 2026
for tickets ($57-$66, incl. fees), call 760.322.0179 or visit Dezart Performs
