The Joy of the Just

Bald Mountain Theater puts on ‘laugh-out-loud’ play. Bald Mountain Theater presents “The Joy of the Just” by John Gardner on Thursday and Friday, July 7-8, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, July 9, at 2 and 7:30 p.m., at Spice Studio in Rochester.

When elderly Aunt Ella gets involved in a he-said, she-said battle of wills with the new Preacher and finds no one believes or cares about her side of the story, she takes the matter of God’s punishment into her own hands. One of the finest short stories by John Gardner, author of “Grendel” and “Vlempk the Box Painter,” “The Joy of the Just” will be adapted and performed by master reader and Artistic Director Ethan Bowen. Accompanying Bowen will be pianist Susan Bushnell and a mini church choir. The featured hymns will provide not only atmosphere but witty, tongue-in-cheek commentary on the story’s events. “This laugh-out-loud funny story paints a rich picture of small-town Middle America with characters that feel all too real,” said managing director Killian White.“ Aunt Ella delivers the vengeance you wouldn’t dare seek in your own life — with both hilarious and disastrous consequences.”

All tickets are $15, available at the door and at baldmountaintickets.ludus.com. Streaming will be available in partnership with TheaterEngine.

Go to baldmountaintheater.org for more information.