Major Barbara at the Bedford Community Theatre

Social upheaval was one of George Bernard Shaw's favorite subjects, and in his plays, he usually dealt with it in ways that combined comedy and drama. Major Barbara is a prime example of this. The topics of religion, poverty, the morals of arms manufacturing, and love are still topical after 105 years and the Bedford Community Theatre is doing a wonderful job of reminding us.

The title character is Barbara Undershaft, a major in the Salvation Army and a child of upper class privilege who wants to save souls. She is reunited with her estranged father, Andrew Undershaft, a millionaire who made his money proudly making war machines, and who destroys her faith when the leader of her mission takes a large donation from him. That faith is restored when she realizes that souls can still be saved in the ideal village set up by her father for his workers. Debra Ablezer handles the role of Barbara well and Gene Pope is excellent as her father.

The two are surrounded by other strong characters, including Lady Britomart Undershaft (Laurel Lettieri), Barbara's commanding mother, her fiancé Adolphus (John Barbera), and her brother Stephen (James McAlvanah), who is under their mothers' thumb. Her sister Sarah (Jennifer DeLancy) and her fiancé Charles (Robert Grogan) are what can only be called twits, and the pair do this well. A scene in the third act between Lady Britomart and Andrew Undershaft almost crackles as the former husband and wife circle each other and share Bernard Shaw's sharp dialogue.

In a strong second act, set in a mission in the slums, June O'Neill, Maeve O'Neill, Steel Swift, Timothy Young, and especially Austin Galvin turn in very strong performances. The show also features performances by Dana Laite, Lauron Lewis, and Maggie Thompson,  and Timothy Young.

John Thompson is the director here and he does fine work. The play is a long one, but it moves quickly, which is a credit to Thompson. The sets are excellent, as is the lighting.

Major Barbara is being presented by the Bedford Community Theatre at the Bedford Hills Community House,  74 Main St, Bedford Hills, NY 10507. Performances will be held every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. through April 17, 2010. Tickets are $15. You can make reservations by calling 914-244-0474.

Tonight's performance will feature a dinner theater option, with a four-course pre-show dinner as well as the show for $65. Tickets for just the play are also available for that night.