By Zena Kapsoff

Run — don’t walk — to see this riveting play called Power in the Blood by Sarah Bewley. It stars the Hollywood theatrical debut of JR Sterling (Ezekiel), the wonderful Kenneth Phenix (Ranger Hardgrove), Nirayl Wilcox as one funny/sassy Sister, sweet Carla Valentine (Miss Blanchard) and Tracy Littlejohn as roving reporter Roberta Minks. (Tracy does double duty as one of the producers, along with Artistic Director John Lant.

Young Ezekiel is a man with the miracle of the stigmata. Ranger “buys” Ezekiel off of Sister and takes him on the road. Soon, miracles are happening and their biggest advocate, Miss Blanchard, spreads the gospel about this gift from God.

Churches are filling up and so are the coffers! Soon, a reporter interviews Ezekiel and comes back a year later asking some questions. The play is dramatic but not heavy. There are lots of witty lines and comic relief from Sister. The center of the play is Ranger Hardgrove’s change of faith, but you also see where the others stand in their faith.

Director Jim Blanchette is an actor’s dream. He allows the actors to bring Sarah’s prolific words to life as each one has their moment in the spotlight. There is great balance, heart and soul throughout the performance. I can only hope that Power in the Blood makes its way to the Great White Way… Broadway that is!

Now playing at the Write Act Repertory, Power in the Blood runs through Saturday, April 30. For ticket information, visit www.writeactrep.org or call . The Write Act Repertory Theatre is located at 6128 Yucca St. in Hollywood.