Review 2

 May 8, 2026

REVIEW: “Purification” | A thought-provoking new work

By Blaine Greenfield

Chief Encouragement Officer, BLAINESWORLD

At: The BeBe Theatre

From April 30-May 10

The Sublime Theater & Press

presents a World Premiere

of “Purification”

By David Brendan Hopes

I attended the first night of the show’s second-week run.

David Brendan Hopes’ “Purification” is an ambitious and richly textured new work that moves back and forth between 1911 and the present day, exploring how people respond when personal conviction and morality collide. At the center of the story is a small circle of friends and lovers whose lives are unexpectedly altered by a box of speeches and writings discovered in a basement storeroom, documents that connect them to an early 20th-century activist and begin to reshape the way they look at the world around them.

Rather than preaching a specific viewpoint, Hopes invites the audience into conversations about conscience, human connection, and the choices people make during unsettled times. The play blends drama and romance with music and touches of magical realism into a story that is both emotionally engaging and mentally absorbing. It’s the kind of production that sparks discussion long after the final scene ends while also searching for a path to better days.

Hopes has long been associated with thoughtful and socially aware theater, and that sensibility is very much on display here. “Purification” is less concerned with easy entertainment than with provoking reflection and examining ideas through richly layered characters and interpersonal dynamics.

All five performers are outstanding, with several taking on multiple roles. Notably, all five performers are making their Sublime Theater debuts.

Ben Mackel (Axel, Vincent Perrugia) is especially impressive throughout the evening. Whether providing comic moments, emotional grounding, or intensity, he handles each role with confidence and versatility. He also sang several songs during the production, including a powerful rendition of Phil Ochs’ “Small Circle of Friends” that set the tone beautifully for much of what followed.

Kai Chamberlain, making her stage debut as Anna Radzinsky, delivers a poised and emotionally compelling performance. One monologue in particular was especially moving and demonstrated both strength and vulnerability.

Chessa Budai (Diana) brings warmth, intelligence, and emotional depth to her roles, particularly in scenes dealing with family tensions and philosophical disagreements.

Eric Martinez (Jim) gives the production an appealing sincerity and grounded presence, helping anchor many of the contemporary scenes.

Braden LaMore, also making his stage debut as Cecil, handles the role with confidence and charm while also sharing believable chemistry with the rest of the cast.

Directed by Steven Samuels, the production moves smoothly between time periods and tones while keeping the focus squarely on the characters and the ideas driving the play. This marks the fourth collaboration between him and Hopes, and the creative partnership clearly continues to bring out strong work from both men.

Production Stage Manager Dakota Mann, Costume & Set Designer Kayren McKnight, and Lighting Designer Abby Auman all contribute strongly to the evening, with McKnight’s costumes especially effective and the overall visual presentation consistently appealing.

And then came one of the evening’s nicest touches. Near the conclusion of the play, sponge cake was served to performers onstage as part of the action, and afterward, audience members were invited to enjoy some as well. It created a warm and memorable sense of connection between cast and audience.

Kudos to The Sublime Theater & Press for continuing to champion original, challenging, and artistically ambitious work. This is a company clearly committed to supporting local and regional artists while creating productions that encourage audiences to think and engage. “Purification” fits that mission beautifully.