Westfield Playhouse’s upcoming show, Agnes of God, features a cast that will be new to audience members. All three actresses and director Brent Wooldridge are making their debut at the Westfield theater.

“I have enjoyed working up here in Westfield,” Wooldridge said. “This show has been on my bucket list for at least 10 years. It’s the oldest one on my bucket list. I saw a snippet of it at a festival. It was so intense I loved it.”

Summoned to a convent, court-appointed psychiatrist Martha Livingstone is charged with assessing the sanity of a novice accused of murdering her newborn. Miriam Ruth, the Mother Superior, determinedly keeps young Agnes from the doctor, arousing Livingstone’s suspicions further. Who killed the infant, and who fathered the tiny victim? Livingstone’s questions force all three women to re-examine the meaning of faith and the power of love leading to a dramatic, compelling climax.

Phyllis Reynolds, who portrays Livingston, has acted in performances in New York and Los Angeles for the past 30 years. She came to Indiana to get more stage credits under her belt before returning to LA. Reynolds originally auditioned for Miriam Ruth and was surprised to hear she was being considered for the role of Livingston.

“I thought that would be so awesome because there’s no way I was going to turn it down,” Reynolds said.

Reynolds said the hardest part of her character is that she is onstage the entire show.

“I can never leave the stage,” she said. “Your concentration has to be on it.”

Zionsville resident Lina Ricks auditioned for the play because she was familiar with it.

“I really wanted to do it. I like thought plays,” the actress portraying Mother Superior said, adding she enjoys the interaction between the three characters. “We represent three different ways of viewing the world. By the time you reach the end – the arch – all three characters are in three different places in their lives.”

Addison D. Ahrendts, who plays Agnes, said the most difficult part is not going crazy when she leaves the stage.

“The play draws the audience in and draws us in,” she said.

Ahrendts, of New Palestine, said she almost didn’t audition for the role because Agnes sings.

“I’m always backstage singing. It’s not my least favorite part, but I hate it,” she said.

 Agnes of God

Where: The Westfield Playhouse, 1836 Ind. 32 West

Times: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 6, 7, 13 and 14; and 2:30 p.m. Sept. 8 and 15.

Cost: $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors

Phone: 587-8719

Website: www.westfieldplayhouse.org