The year is 1919. The place is St. Louis. The setting is a modest family home in an era before electricity and telephones were common conveniences. The cast of characters includes a God-fearing mother and her four daughters.

Sounds just like a heart-warming family play, one that the Seattle Performing Arts Fellowship has made their trademark over the past two decades.

But look again. Kevin O'Morrison's post-World War I drama, Lady House Blues, is somewhat of a departure for the Christian theater group. Yes, there is the presence of Christian values, with a dash of scripture quoting and hymn singing.

And there are also questions and doubts. Hard questions about life's purpose and God's love are at the forefront of SPAF's latest play. And I am here to report that there are no easy answers, either.

Liz Madden (Amy Wyatt) is a single mother, who is forced to put the family farm up for sale in order to pay her debts. Widowed at age 26, Liz is now divorced from her second husband, and is awaiting the return of her only son from the war that has just ended in Europe.

Liz's four daughters are also living with her. Helen (Kristen Nedopak) is dying from tuberculosis and is still infectious. Because of this, she is separated from her husband and child back in Arkansas.

Dot (Karly Smaciarz) is a New York fashion model expecting a baby, but is also separated from her high-society husband. Terry (Melissa Rankin) works as a waitress who recently has become a political activist involved in labor reform and women's issues.

And finally, Eylie (Angela Dubnow) is the baby of the family, but doesn't let her youth interfere with her plans to marry her sweetheart and eventually move with him to California.

This all-female household struggles to find their sense of peace, unity and happiness as personalities and ideas clash and hope dwindles.

Lady House Blues portrays a time of incredible change. The Madden family has become multi-cultural, thanks to marriages to men from various ethnic backgrounds. Some are making plans to leave home, while mother Liz looks to her empty nest.

Helen ponders her own death from TB. And each woman fears the thought that her son or brother may not return home from the war alive.

These questions bring about anger, doubt and conflict. Harsh language is sometimes used. Angry words are directed at God. This is not your usual inspirational tale of triumph and happy endings.

Hats off to SPAF for boldly presenting this story that is real, personal and ultimately life giving. SPAF artistic director Lew Curtiss provides fine direction.

The set design is wonderfully simple yet effective. The costumes perfectly recreate the post World War I era.

But the greatest "star" of the show is love. Amidst all the angry prayers, sisterly bickering, unspoken fears, joyful singing and sometimes strained family relationships, love is the one constant that not only keeps hope alive but keeps the audience active, interested and involved in the lives of these amazing women.

Lady House Blues continues through March 10. It is performed at the Victory Baptist Building at 1807 S. 223rd St. in Des. Moines.

Call SPAF at 206-722-4289 or log onto www.spaftheatre.org for show times and reservations.