An American, an Englishman, and a Russian walk into a room. There is no punch line, and despite what the title suggests, “The Gospel According to Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens and Count Leo Tolstoy: Discord” is not nearly as ponderous as it sounds.
Instead, Las Cruces Community Theatre’s latest staged production is a thoughtful and entertaining look at flawed humanity and its search for redemption through truth. Sounds heavy, and it is, but it also presents a refreshingly original night of compelling theatre with a skill and verve rarely seen on community stages.
Written by Scott Carter, a longtime writer and producer for “Real Time With Bill Maher” (whose name is conspicuously absent from the playbill), “Discord” puts three prominent historical figures together in an afterlife consisting of a locked door, a desk and three chairs. Melissa Muñoz-Chavez exceeds expectations with a set design that is both inspired and otherworldly, making use of a series of parchment scrolls showcasing quotes from not only the men present, but others of like mind. The effect is both arresting and sublime. The same can be said for the splendid costumes designed by Janet Payne-Cold.
In their titular roles as Jefferson, Dickens and Tolstoy, Jason Wyatt, Aaron Setliff and Christian Nieves, respectively, give triumphant performances, never missing a beat and never letting us see the artifice in their portrayals. For a full 100 minutes, sans intermission, we are drawn into the conflict between these gentlemen of letters, with a passionate authenticity that is enthralling. Not once do their masks slip, which makes it all the more surprising that this is Setliff’s very first acting gig.
Now almost ten years old, “Discord” also presents a timely vivisection of patriotism and religion, with a large part of the play dedicated to each man presenting his own version of the Bible, written during his own lifetime. Jefferson extols the virtues of reason, while Dickens promotes the “sparkle” of miracles and Tolstoy commends the spirit of individualism. Their discussions run the gamut, from when the Bible was actually written to what Jesus was actually trying to say in his teachings. Each argument has its merits, and its flaws.
Those flaws become the crux of the situation in which these men find themselves. Because it seems that despite all efforts to live lives of exemplary virtue, each is (or was), in his own way, a failure. What this has to say about the uses and abuses of power, by people in a position to make a real difference, is compelling. It’s also refreshing in a way that today’s media cannot seem to embrace.
In the end, it’s up to the audience to decide whether or not the three figures presented did enough in their lifetimes to advance prosperity in the human condition. It’s a decision that will haunt you.
“Discord" illuminates the stage at the Las Cruces Community Theatre, Friday, Saturday and Sunday through April 14, 2024. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit the website LCCTNM.org.
