Claudine Housen, Staff Reporter
Actress, Kaysilyn Lawson (Danielle Jackson) with Richard Dickenson (Peter Thomas) during a performance of David Tulloch's 'Prayer Partner' at the Fairfield Theatre, in Montego Bay, recently. - CONTRIBUTED
WESTERN BUREAU:
A HUMOROUS depiction of just how far one man will go to win his lady love,David Tulloch's romantic comedy, Prayer Partner, is not just good family entertainment. It also proves to be a worthwhile commentary on the power of prayer in the development and maintenance of meaningful relationships.
The play opens with Danielle Jackson (Kaysilyn Lawson) speaking to her father Abe (Tony Rodney) about the return of Peter Thomas (Richard Dickenson), her best friend, who was away studying, and how he will take the news of her having a boyfriend.
IMMEDIATE CONFLICT
The conflict is immediately set up as Peter, the son of a professor and Abe's favourite, is automatically pitted against Giovanni (David Tulloch), a loud-mouthed footballer, for Danielle's hand.
Giovanni proposes and wins Danielle's hand, but the engagement is short-lived after Danielle discovers Giovanni's infidelity. Having lost her mother at an early age, Danielle quickly plunges into an emotional abyss and swears off all men. Even Peter is denied entry into her life.
A strong believer in the maxim 'The family that prays together stays together', Danielle calls a prayer partner hotline to seek God's presence and his plan for her life. Peter, who accidentally intercepts a call from the hotline, interrupts her plans by pretending to be the female prayer partner that Danielle requested.
Arriving at the Jackson home dressed as the female Peta-Gaye, Peter unwittingly embarks on a journey towards self-realisation, as his disguise enables him insight not just into Danielle's heart, but also into her family life and ultimately into himself.
TRANSFORMED
The play ends with the mousy Peter transformed into a confident suitor who finally asks for the hand of the one he loves. When asked how he made his transition, he simply states, "I prayed and asked God."
An interesting mix of comedy, religion and romance, Prayer Partner is captivating in an unassuming way and will leave you feeling pleased with the outcome, if not wanting to go home and pray.
Rodney, with his dry wit and superior acting skills, as well as Dickenson in his dual roles, were outstanding.
Prayer Partner closes at the Fairfield Theatre in Montego Bay this weekend, but will be travelling to the Corporate Area in July.
