THEATER REVIEW:Ladies’ night at Vanguard

She was just 17 (or 19, she wasn’t really sure), an illiterate farm girl who couldn’t even sign her name, but she had one quality that could topple military regimes: she was on speaking terms with God.

Or so she claimed.

This latter quality both inspired and condemned Joan of Arc, whom the princes of the Catholic Church sent to the stake for, basically, going over their heads to defeat the occupational English forces at Orleans and crown a new king of France.

Vanguard University’s ambitious theater department retells Joan’s brief but stirring story with its production of George Bernard Shaw’s century-old drama “Saint Joan,” albeit with a casting twist — all 15 roles in the production are played by women.

This is director Marianne Savell’s way of stressing the importance of her gender in history.

The Vanguard production, while often uneven and somewhat deficient in clarity, nevertheless commands the attention due primarily to the force of its leading actress.

Just as Joan was able to persuade the French army to unite behind her, Brianna Sehorn possesses the interpretive ability to persuade audiences to buy into her powerful portrayal.

Sehorn is, quite simply, a dynamic presence, both in her fidelity to the “voices” — which urged her on in combat — and later in defending her actions while on trial for her life.

It is in this latter segment that we glimpse the true Joan of Arc, a feverishly defiant girl who cannot be dissuaded from her belief in a direct hotline to heaven, which she alone can answer.

A few other performances approach this level of intensity. Donna Johnson is excellent as the French military leader Dunois (and later, as a sympathetic court cleric), and Allison Schlicher impresses as the dilettante dauphin, whom Joan champions.

Andrea Carpenter makes a strong case as the inquisitor, as does Rebecca Testrake as the fiery chaplain striving for Joan’s execution. Less effective are Sasha Stewart as the English nobleman Warwick — more petulant than power-hungry — and JoAnna Martens as the profane soldier LaHire, whose earthiness seems to have been watered down for this production.

Clarity is not a strong suit of the overall production, however. Lines are rushed early on, when exposition is particularly important in the drawing of emotional battle lines, resulting in the loss of key dialogue. The events portrayed in “Saint Joan” are intricate enough without risking loss of comprehension in their depiction.

Marc Nicolas’ imposing setting functions on a half a dozen levels for the various scenic transitions. Lia Hansen’s costumes and makeup enrich the production, while David Pecoraro’s lighting serves the show quite well.

The gimmick of an all-female cast works fine in some aspects of the show, but weakens the effect in others. It is, however, an invaluable experience for all involved, taking on one of the theater’s premier historical dramas.

IF YOU GO:

WHAT: “Saint Joan”

WHERE: Vanguard University Lyceum Theater, 55 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa

WHEN: Closing performances tonight at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8, Sunday at 2 p.m.

COST: $10 to $8 to $10 CALL: (714) 668-6145