BLESS THIS FEST

by Brent Alles

(Full length play, roughly 90 minutes.) As Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in the small town of Remus, Michigan, prepares for its annual "Festival of the Saints," tensions rise, tempers flare, and everything that can go wrong... does. There's a no-nonsense nun running the pageant, a good-natured priest praying for a promotion, and a few unexpected sparks of romance between the parishioners. All that as the parish...

(Full length play, roughly 90 minutes.) As Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in the small town of Remus, Michigan, prepares for its annual "Festival of the Saints," tensions rise, tempers flare, and everything that can go wrong... does. There's a no-nonsense nun running the pageant, a good-natured priest praying for a promotion, and a few unexpected sparks of romance between the parishioners. All that as the parish scrambles to pull off a minor miracle when a most unexpected visitor arrives. A heartfelt farce about faith, friendship, and finding grace in the chaos.

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BLESS THIS FEST

Recommended by

  • Kim E. Ruyle: BLESS THIS FEST by Brent Alles
    “

    Are demons involved in The Festival of the Saints and responsible for creating a hellish nightmare for festival (of the Stains) organizers? If not demons, how else do you explain exploding fog machines, glitter fires, a bumbling handyman, a priest in stomach distress, and an intruding raccoon? Maybe it just comes from Alles' imagination, but know this for sure, this play has lots of physical comedy, fun roles for actors, and, with Father Tom’s vulnerability, the saints have never been sweeter.

    Are demons involved in The Festival of the Saints and responsible for creating a hellish nightmare for festival (of the Stains) organizers? If not demons, how else do you explain exploding fog machines, glitter fires, a bumbling handyman, a priest in stomach distress, and an intruding raccoon? Maybe it just comes from Alles' imagination, but know this for sure, this play has lots of physical comedy, fun roles for actors, and, with Father Tom’s vulnerability, the saints have never been sweeter.

    ”
  • John Mabey: BLESS THIS FEST by Brent Alles
    “

    I look to comedy for not only laughs but something deeper that makes me still think about the themes long after. And in BLESS THIS FEST by Brent Alles, not only was the comedy strong but I also thought about family and faith and forgiveness too. And I absolutely laughed! The farcical elements work divinely against the parish hall setting in this small town where the festivities matter but the community even more. A blessed fest indeed.

    I look to comedy for not only laughs but something deeper that makes me still think about the themes long after. And in BLESS THIS FEST by Brent Alles, not only was the comedy strong but I also thought about family and faith and forgiveness too. And I absolutely laughed! The farcical elements work divinely against the parish hall setting in this small town where the festivities matter but the community even more. A blessed fest indeed.

    ”
  • Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend: BLESS THIS FEST by Brent Alles
    “

    So many Catholic jokes! Everything that can go wrong does go wrong in the Festival of the Saints, and watching how everyone reacts to each fresh hell is delight. A show falling apart has never been so fun. I especially loved the raccoon. What a fun piece!

    So many Catholic jokes! Everything that can go wrong does go wrong in the Festival of the Saints, and watching how everyone reacts to each fresh hell is delight. A show falling apart has never been so fun. I especially loved the raccoon. What a fun piece!

    ”

Character Information

  • FATHER TOM O'MALLEY
    Earnest, usually genial, but currently slightly frazzled priest of St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Deep down, he’s perhaps grown weary of being in a small-town parish and quietly hopes that a successful festival will possibly impress the “higher-ups” and earn him a recommendation for a “promotion.”
    50s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • SISTER IMELDA
    The formidable head of the Catholic school and the relentless director of the annual festival pageant. Imelda rules with a whistle, a clipboard, and an iron will. She has a deep love for both her faith and the theatre, which makes her high-strung, hilariously intense, and (occasionally) soft at the edges.
    40s or 50s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • MRS. DOLORES CARBONE
    A widow, parish décor captain, and self-proclaimed guardian of “appropriate Catholic taste.” She is passionate, dramatic, and emotionally guarded. She and Tony Mendez went to high school together.
    60s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • TONY MENDEZ
    A single handyman who’s gruff (but good-hearted), socially awkward, and perpetually misunderstanding assignments. Though perhaps not very spiritual, he’s loyal and generally kind… when he has to be.
    60s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • BENJI ALVAREZ
    A student at the Catholic school who reluctantly gets roped into the pageant. He’s creative and constantly toeing the line between rebellion and responsibility.
    17 or 18
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • LUCY TRAN
    A smart, sharp-tongued student who just wants to avoid humiliation and survive Catholic school. She provides a lot of eye-rolling commentary. She and Benji are best friends.
    17 or 18
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • BISHOP ROSE
    A figure of authority who shows up at the festival unexpectedly in Act II. His presence throws the parish into panic mode. Calm, reflective, and full of wisdom, he ultimately helps bring clarity to the chaos.
    60s or 70s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man