Avow Book

THE STORY: Brian and Tom ask their liberal and forward-thinking parish priest, Father Raymond, to witness and bless their vows to each other. Although Father Raymond understands their affection for each other, he holds that they must live a celibate life if they wish to be part of the Church. Brian is outraged. Tom becomes reflective, as Father Raymond's words strike a chord in him. Brian's sister, Irene, a concert pianist, is single and pregnant from an affair. Brian has convinced her to have the baby, which he and Tom will adopt. Irene, desiring nothing more than her brother's happiness and security, tries to mediate between Brian and Tom and Father Raymond. Much to her surprise she discovers a deep attraction to Father Raymond. The attraction turns out to be mutual, forcing Father Raymond to reexamine his life of commitment and loneliness. In the meantime, Brian's and Irene's mother, Rose, works very hard through her confessor, Father Nash (who is also Father Raymond's confessor), to come to terms with her son's and daughter's exotic lifestyles. As Tom begins to pull away from Brian, Father Raymond moves closer to Irene. Tom's and Brian's catalytic request creates five separate and linked spiritual journeys, each seeking to balance passion and faith. Timely and provocative‚¬¦ - The New York Times. Plays like AVOW that deal seriously with contemporary religion are rare these days. Davis asks real questions here that will provoke skepticism, frustration and even anger in some audience members. This fearless provocation is one of the play's great merits‚¬¦ - Newsday. Romantics and Roman Catholics alike will get a kick out of the latest drama from Bill C. Davis‚¬¦ - Entertainment Weekly.