Broadcasts: Thursday, October 26, 6 PM; Sat., 10/28, 10:30 a.m.; Mon., 10/30, 8:30 p.m.

After it closes on Nov. 19, this production of  “Agnes of God” by The Keegan Theatre, should go directly to Broadway—as is. Don’t change a thing, from director Susan M. Rhea to its three actors. This is one of the best tight dramas I’ve seen around here in awhile. Written by John Pielmeier and staged in New York in 1979 and then the movie in ’85, “Agnes of God” takes place in a convent. A young, innocent nun, Sister Agnes (Ghillian Porter),  is being interrogated by a psychiatrist (Sheri S. Herren) to see if she is responsible for the death of a newborn found in her room. The Mother Superior (Linda High) is very protective of the young nun in question. But the court-appointed psychiatrist, Dr. Livingston, must determine if a crime—a murder—has been committed and covered up. That could be the Sister herself, Mother Superior or some priest obliquely referred to. Sister Agnes has blanked out the memory and only under Dr. Livingston’s hypnosis, do details emerge. She seemingly has no recollection of sex or rape and the Mother Superior suggests, without actually saying so, a possibility of an Immaculate Conception. The acting by The Keegan players is thoughtful and thought-provoking. I just can’t think of any other actors who could play these roles any better. If you miss “Agnes of God,” you should stay home the rest of the year as penance. Kudos to producer Carol Hood Baker. Call The Keegan Theatre at 703-892-6202 for tickets to see “Agnes of God,” playing at The Church Street Theater, 1742 Church St. NW in the District. --reviewed by Rich Massabny, October 21, 2006

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