If you believe that it isn't polite or proper to discuss religion or politics, you may be offended by Bernard Shaw's Major Barbara. Thankfully for Tacoma, theaters and actors have never been too concerned with being considered polite or proper. Although Shaw wrote this play in 1905, it is still applicable today. Written in the midst of British Colonialism and nine short years before the start of World War I, Shaw deftly comments on three facets of British thought. 

In Major Barbara Undershaft (Nicole Lockett) we see an upper class British woman - daughter of an Earl, no less - who feels she is "of the people" and wishes to "save their souls" through her endeavors with the Salvation Army. Her father, munitions entrepreneur Andrew Undershaft (Mike Slease), adheres to the "religion of money and gunpowder" and believes that "poverty is the worst of all crimes." One stark contrast between the two characters is that while Barbara is trying to save the poor with religion, Andrew would rather "kill poverty and crime" - and both would like the other to be a part of their respective cause.

The other characters show a range of political and religious ideals, some more overt than others. Barbara's fiancé, Adolphus "Dolly" Cusins (Jonathan Paul Lee), works at the Salvation Army more to worship Barbara than anything else. Dolly is a collector of religions and is apathetic in his politics, stating, "That is why I, like sensible people, never vote." Barbara's mother Lady Britomart (Betzy Miller) is a picture of morality with her "conscience clear and [her] duty done once [she has] called everyone names."

Political and religious commentary aside, TLT managed to produce another fine show. Major Barbara is in the public domain and they undertook the task of editing it down to a surprisingly fast two and a half hours. Director Scott Campbell's goal "was to make Major Barbara accessible to today's audiences." Campbell accomplishes this with skill and grace.

The lighting, set and costumes were fabulous. But the most impressive aspect of the play was the actors and the acting that brought Shaw's words to life. Sure, there were a couple aesthetic choices made by actors that may rub some the wrong way, specifically the possibly over-the-top portrayal of Charles Lomax (John Munn) as an English buffoon, or the Butler's (Darrel Shepherd) speaking style; but nonetheless, the majority of the actors were outstanding in their roles. Probably the most notable actors were Leischen Moore and John Munn. Moore did double duty as Sarah Undershaft and Jenny Hill. There was nothing in the performances to give away that the same actress played both parts. And regardless of your opinion of Munn's portrayal of Charles Lomax, his embodiment of Bill Walker was impressive. The characterization of Walker was so brilliant that it's almost impossible to believe it's the same actor that caricatured Lomax. Kody Bringmam played snobbish Stephen Undershaft quite well and Lady Britomart (Betzy Miller) was appropriately regal in her matriarchal role.

Shaw's jokes and observation of human conduct as nothing "but the daily and hourly sale of our souls for trifles" are as relevant today as in 1905.

During intermission, be sure to check out the lobby display of Shaw's script and character descriptions as well as examples of the edits that were made to the text.

Major Barbara

Through June 13, 7:30 p.m. Friday -Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, actor's benefit Saturday, June 12, 2 p.m., $16-$24
Tacoma Little Theatre, 210 North I Street, Tacoma
253.272.2281