Is there any friend more annoying than the recent convert? Whether it’s a diet, a political cause, or (God help us) religion, there’s nothing worse than the unending self-righteous monologue that comes from someone who’s suddenly Seen the Light. But as with all great annoyances, there’s some ripe comic potential here, and it’s at the heart of Susan and God, a play written back in 1937 by Rachel Crothers, revived to much acclaim off-Broadway in 2006, and just as timely now. Life in the Hamptons becomes seriously disrupted when a socialite discovers religion—or at least her own version of it. Director Scott Nolte describes the script as “a bit like Noël Coward with a lot of people in tuxes drinking and jesting.” Then the play makes some more serious points about how “truth-telling” can be just as destructive a force as lying. It’s a natural choice for Taproot Theatre, a company that tends to alternate between well-crafted comedies and thoughtful. Running through October 25, the production stars gifted Taproot regular Lisa Peretti (who headlined their excellent production of Candida a couple of years ago) in the title role—Susan, that is, not God. [Also see Kevin Phinney’s review here.] Taproot Theater, 204 N. 85th St., 781-9705, www.taproottheatre.org. $10-$33. Previews 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24-25, opens Fri., Sept. 26. 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat., plus a matinee 2 p.m. Wed., Oct. 1. Ends Oct. 25. JOHN LONGENBAUGH

Wednesdays, Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 2 & 8 p.m.; Wed., Oct. 1, 2 p.m. Starts: Sept. 24. Continues through Oct. 25, 2008