Not so dramatic is the remainder of the curiously static two-act play, which culminates in a service at the basement church that provokes revelations and face-offs among these not especially believable people. Too many vague back stories and far too much talk from the somewhat obviously contrived characters – really, must the financier devour a gingerbread house during a meeting? – encumber the drama.

A group of top-notch actors try their best but really cannot make much of the generally unconvincing script, which has been laboriously staged by the author with a surprisingly negligent eye towards the dubious visuals designed by Takeshi Kata (sets) and Alejo Vietti (costumes). Possibly a director other than the playwright could make Shanley’s lumpy, underdone stew more digestible but even so it’s not much of play.

“Storefront Church” continues through July 1 at the Linda Gross Theater, 336 W. 20th St., New York. Call (212) 279-4200 or visit www.atlantictheater.org.

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