Witch (by Jen Silverman) is on stage now at Road Less Traveled Theater, and while the program identifies it as a dark comedy, it really is a study in DEIB – diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging – with some very witty asides hidden inside a look at family and community.

Elizabeth (Wendy Hall) is shunned by the other women in the village. Is she a witch or is she just a little bit of a non-conformist? She and Scratch, aka the Devil (fiendishly played by Chris Hatch), meet up when he wants her soul. Scratch is a unique sort who struggles to “close the sale” when he pursues a soul and is notorious for not submitting the requisite paperwork. Yes, hell is replete with bureaucracy. Also dwelling in the village of Edmonton is Sir Arthur Brooks’ (David Marciniak) and his family. He’s quite the avuncular soul who has taken a shining to young Frank Thorney (Johnny Barden) and deigns that he will be his heir….and not his son, Cuddy (Alex Anthony Garcia). Sir Arthur sees the fair haired manly man in Frank and he doesn’t connect with Cuddy, who is more into Morris dancing (a 15^th century English folk dance) and other pursuits. Then there’s Winnifred (Renee Hawthorne), the comely maid in the manor house, who is secretly betrothed to Frank and carrying his child, while Sir Arthur encourages Frank to pursue other woman with more courtly manners.

And this is why I found the tacit DEIB message so engaging. The judgement, the misunderstanding, the lack of acceptance was just as present in Stuart Britain, and the impact is just as life-changing and devastating. Cuddy is overlooked by his father, Frank is brazen with toxic masculinity, Winnifred is in an abusive relationship, and Scratch and Jennifer long to be seen as who they are. Hence the note in the program which says the setting is then-ish, but equally of our moment.

If Silverman’s script is a little quirky, Scott Behrend’s direction, this outstanding cast, and the staging all create an outstanding experience. Dyan Burlingame’s set is stunning and detailed, from hefty faux stone of Sir Arthur’s manor to the tidy and tiny cottage for Jennifer. Both sides are dim and foreboding in their own ways and John Rickus’ intriguing light design is a show of its own. Faux candles flicker dimly and brighten at key moments, as if the witch and the devil were at the switch. Hatch’s demeanor makes the devil quite likeable and his exchanges with Jennifer are almost endearing. It’s odd to root for a devil and a witch to find eternal happiness, but they actually have the healthiest relationship of anyone. Hawthorne is a hoot to watch as she not-too-quietly goes about her business as her master and secret husband natter on about the women the latter should be meeting.

There are some stand out moments for sure: Sir Arthur’s monologue is a conversation with his deceased wife and it’s sweetly sentimental. Hall’s monologue about her lack of acceptance is beautifully delivered and truly makes you think twice about every ‘different’ girl you ever ignored in the school cafeteria. The fight scene between Cuddy and Frank is frighteningly well planned and executed, thanks to the skills of Garcia and Barden enhanced by Shelby Converse’s fight direction.

Witch is performed in one powerful 95-minute act (no intermission) until December 8. Find details and tickets at roadlesstraveledproductions.org.