Shakers Illuminated in Vanguard’s “Heaven”

IF YOU GO

* WHAT: “As It Is in Heaven”

* WHERE: Vanguard University Lyceum Theater, 55 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa

* WHEN: Closing performances tonight at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m.

* COST: $10

* CONTACT: (714) 668-6145

The song “Give Me the Simple Life” might well have been written for the religious separatists known as the Shakers, an offshoot of the Quakers, known both for simplicity and celibacy -- which probably explains why few members of the sect remain today.

Arlene Hutton’s play “As It Is In Heaven” casts a light on a community of Shakers in Kentucky, circa 1838, and it’s not so much a story as a character study of how nine women react to the “visions” of first one, then others in the fold. The play is given an intriguing, if occasionally baffling presentation at Costa Mesa’s Vanguard University.

While the young women in director Marianne Savell’s production are dressed so similarly as to be easily mistaken one for another, it doesn’t take long for their individual natures to surface. They come from varying backgrounds to this ultra-religious family -- from widows to those enrolled as children to one “fallen woman” from a “fancy house” -- all with fervent dedication to what they envision as a holy cause.

Their rituals are played out with precision, splendidly choreographed by Brian Paul Mendoza, and they deliver the play’s ping-pong dialogue with alacrity. This renders engrossing a show that otherwise might be steeped in ennui.

The story is told in snippets, each actress getting her particular moment, but soon centers on the epiphany of one of the newer members, Fanny (Colleen Warner), who insists she sees angels in the meadow. Soon two others follow her lead, then most of the rest -- with the exception of the ruling eldress (Kristie Clark), who declares that the troublemaker must be excised from the flock.

There is, even among this singleness of purpose, an aura of conflict, most of it instigated by the rebellious Polly (Deborah Chesterman). Naivete and innocence are represented by the youngest member, Izzy (a radiant Shauna Esau), also destined for painful separation.

The high-minded Phebe (Kristi Nolf) and the devout Rachel (Donna Johnson) strongly carry the establishment banner, along with Peggy (Missy Albanese), a more introverted spirit. Deaconess Betsy (Caitlin Macy-Beckwith) attempts to mediate the grievances, while Jane (Laura Manchester) is a downcast, illiterate newcomer.

While the story line is slow to develop, detailing the various Shaker rituals to establish a background, the actresses gradually blend into a frenzied experience reminiscent of some elements of “The Crucible.” Hutton’s story effectively illustrates how devout faith can lead to fervent zealotry in the young and unworldly soul.

Dotted with Shaker hymns faithfully orchestrated by music director Lori Berg, “As It Is in Heaven” offers an intriguing glimpse of a sectarian life with which few are familiar.