When Maria Enriquez considers a show to direct, she asks herself the same question: Why this show now? The director of "Agnes of God," which will be performed at Susquehanna Stage later this month, said she found the play to be as relevant today as it was when it was written more than 40 years ago.

"This is a show that prompts the audience to ask questions about faith versus reason," Enriquez stated. "These are questions like, 'Is there a God? Do I believe?' These questions are relevant today. As a society, we're seeing a loss of faith, a loss of organized religion. This show gives audiences the opportunity to examine the driving forces behind that."

"Agnes of God" is a three-woman show. The cast features Lydia Alkinburgh as Agnes; Susan Kresge as Miriam Ruth, the Mother Superior; and Nelly Torres as Dr. Martha Livingstone. It tells the story of Agnes, a young nun, who has given birth but claims it was an immaculate conception. "Dr. Livingstone is a psychiatrist trying to get to the bottom of this mystery," said Enriquez.

Alkinburgh described her character as innocent and sheltered. "She's very young - just 21 - and she's very child-like," she noted. "She doesn't know much about the world."

Kresge said her character is torn between wanting to know the truth of what happened and struggling with that truth. She's also a lonely person. "She has some emptiness in her life, and Agnes fills some of those holes," Kresge noted.

As a doctor, Torres' character struggles with her faith. "She relies on logic," Torres stated. "In her mind, everything can be explained by reason. ... She has walls up and tries to mask her vulnerability and her own struggle with faith."

For this show, Enriquez cast two understudies - Natalie Beckman for Dr. Livingstone and Tac Tacelosky for Miriam Ruth. Tacelosky will perform the role at the matinee performance on Sunday, Oct. 23.

Enriquez explained that using understudies was not only a necessity in the age of COVID uncertainty but also a deliberate choice. "This show offers these really plum roles for actresses, so I wanted to bring in even more women to the production," she said.

The show has provided a unique rehearsal experience, said Erin Vago, who is the stage manager. "There's something valuable about it being all women," she noted. "There's the ability to be that certain level of vulnerable that this show needs."

Tacelosky emphasized that the show may leave audiences with a lot to think about. "I envision car rides home with lots of questions and people wanting to hash things out," she said.

"Agnes of God" will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays, Oct. 21 and 28; Saturdays, Oct. 22 and 29; and Thursday, Oct. 27. It will also be performed at 2 p.m. on Sundays, Oct. 23 and 30. Susquehanna Stage is located at 133 W. Market St., Marietta. For more information, visit http://www.susquehannastage.com.