Bay View's Boulevard Theatre lets Milwaukee know it's finally legal in all 50 states. It's the 21st season for this small theatre, but the Boulevard's just gearing up.

The second show of the season, Stephen Adly Guirgis' "The Last Days of Judas Iscariot," opens on Wednesday.

"The play is a courtroom drama, fast-paced — some may say it's a black comedy — set in purgatory. It's the trial of Judas Iscariot, one of the apostles, who betrayed Jesus," said actress Jennifer LaPorte, who plays Judas' defense attorney Fabiana Aziza Cunningham. "This isn't your grandmother's Sunday school or gospel."

Be warned, there's strong language in "The Last Days." LaPorte describes it as "contemporary language, very raw language and subject matter." To be frank, there are more than a few F-bombs.

The courtroom drama has a contemporary setting with the wide range of characters who act as witnesses to the infamous betrayal.

"There's a cast of characters and witnesses that come through the courtroom who are absolutely fascinating," LaPorte said. "I play Judas' defense lawyer and I'm trying to prove that he isn't the only one responsible for the death of Christ."

"There are some very touching moments in it, some comedic moments (and) some great comedic characters."

She cites Mother Teresa as one of those interesting characters.

Marquette alumna Cynthia Paplaczyk said she plays "Mother Theresa with a kick."

"It's the Mother Teresa we never knew. She's a little firebrand and stands up for her beliefs and her rights and the fact that she collects for the poor," she said.

As a whole, Paplaczyk said the play will take the audience on a roller coaster ride through different sets of emotions.

The Boulevard let Marquee sit in on a rehearsal of Act One last weekend. Although it was only a bare-bones run-through of the dialogue, the Boulevard has a wonderful cast and play.

Any college student will enjoy the material, which is along the same lines as "Dogma." It's a modern take on the Judas story that has laugh-out-loud performances as well as parts that tug at heartstrings — and remember, this was only the first act.

Two standout performances come from Carol Hirschi and Jane Wood. Hirschi plays the outspoken Saint Monica, fiery, brash and hilarious. Wood's Henrietta Iscariot will make the audience feel for her and sympathize with the woman who raised Judas.

There's always more than one thing to pay attention to on the Boulevard stage, so keep a close eye on all the players. They all add to the atmosphere and setting of the play.

"The Last Days of Judas Iscariot" runs through Oct. 15. Tickets are $15 for students through Oct. 1, otherwise all tickets are $20. For more information, head over to www.bou levardtheatre.com or call (414) 744-5757.