It also has connotations of prayerfulness and hope. The Next Act Theatre's third offering this season of Morris Panych's "Vigil" is another example of the astute choices this Milwaukee theater makes. "Exonerated," "Sylvia" and now "Vigil" certainly bespeak variety, as well as consistent quality.

This clever, darkly comic script involves an aunt and a long-lost nephew who returns to visit her upon her bequest. She thinks that her death is imminent; he thinks his inheritance is also. Thus the visit.

A well-appointed bedroom, a clock audibly ticking, several large windows and a couple of trunks make up the set. Many short scenes followed by blackouts comprise the first part of the play. An accordion is heard for openers. A door leading to the rest of the house accommodates Kemp's comings and goings as he begrudgingly ministers to his dying aunt.

So with a very tenuous connection between them, they begin their "relationship." He begins his biographical monologue and she listens, only communicating through facial expressions as she lies or sits up in her bed. We keep waiting for her to speak. She doesn't, which creates humor and tension.

Day after day, month after month, Kemp continues his sardonic narratives. At times, he glances down at the street below or across the way at a neighbor who sits by her window, all the while making his cynical, contemptuous observations.

He often encourages his trapped, rapt aunt to "get on with it" because he's sick of waiting around. He discusses "arrangements," even while attempting ways to accelerate the process. But Aunt Grace seems more interested in her nephew's stories than in going anywhere.

But despite his insensitive remarks to his aunt, we are discovering a sad, lonely, neglected little boy hiding behind his callous comments. She may be dying, but he has died long ago. We grow quite fond of him and find many of his comments and stories quite hilarious.

The script is clever and Mark Ulrich rises to its challenges with aplomb. Ruth Schudson has a less demanding role, but it's one that requires concentration and subtlety. In the second act, the plot takes a colossal twist, one that fits right in with the overall unusual flavor of the plot.

For some, this might prove to be a very irreverent "vigil," but most people seemed to be enjoying it. I give it a big thumbs-up. Kudos to Mary McDonald Kerr for her direction and to Rick Graham for his scenic design.

"Vigil" runs through Feb. 26 at the beautiful Next Act Theatre at 255 S. Water St., Milwaukee. Call 414-278-0765 or visit www.nextact.org for show times and tickets.